Mother nature is one of God's richest blessings to humankind. She isn't just exquisitely beautiful, but a remarkable teacher. I've allowed myself to become engrossed with the invaluable lessons from this great teacher, and I've distributed her teachings throughout every aspect of my life. They are truly a gem. I will share with you fourteen lessons that I've learned from mother nature and how they have transformed my life. I hope that they will add meaning to your life too.
1. You are not too small to do something great.
Have you ever witnessed the creative work of the ants or the bees? Have you ever wondered how such tiny creatures could build a honeycomb or an anthill of such great size? It makes me wonder too. Both the bees and ants are industrious creatures, and many good traits can be adopted from them.
If you get the opportunity to watch the ants moving pieces of food, or the bees moving from flower to flower during the pollination process. I'm sure that you'll be amazed by their prowess and how they work together effectively. They're truly the epitome of what it means to work hard and to work together. These two creatures have inspired me in so many ways, I can never belittle myself, or even think that there isn't anything great that I can do.
Ants range in size from 0.75 to 52 millimeters (0.030–2.0 in), the largest species being the fossil Titanomyrma giganteum, the queen of which was 6 centimeters (2.4) long with a wingspan of 15 centimeters (5.9 in). Bees range in size from tiny stingless bee species, whose workers are less than 2 millimeters (0.08 in) long, to Megachile pluto, the largest species of leafcutter bee, whose females can attain a length of 39 millimeters (1.54 in).
The next time you feel overcome with doubt. Be reminded that you have a brain of much larger capacity than the ants and the bees. If they can build a honeycomb and anthill. There are far greater things that you can do.
The adult human brain weighs on average about 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). In men, the average weight is about 1370 g, and in women about 1200 g. The volume is around 1260 cm3 in men and 1130 cm3 in women, although there is substantial individual variation. ( References: Wikipedia)
2. You will not fit in every environment.
The Bible explains this perfectly, with the story of the sower and the seeds in, Matthew 13.
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up because they had no deepness of earth:
And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and choked them:
But others fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
Many will tell you that you should grow where you are planted, but this isn't so. Not all environments are right for you. Wherever you place your feet in this life, examine the environment that you are in. If it stifles your growth, you aren't in the right place.
3. Be bold.
If you believe in it, put some spine into it. Don't ever be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Let your voice be heard. You can't depend on another person to voice your concerns. Many will choose silence when your concerns don't affect them. The lion is called the king of the beast. Yet, the lion is no match for the elephant.
You see, it's not always about physical strength, but the strength of your character and your willpower. Whenever the lion roars, it roars with great power and authority. Awake the lion in your voice, be clear, be fearless, be distinctive, and let your voice be heard!
4. Changes are constant
I remember my experience with Hurricane Ivan in 2004. We lost our home, personal belongings, and livelihood. After the storm had passed, we began assessing the damages. All we could see was sole destruction. No hope of recovery, or a future. Our lives are sometimes like the storms of nature.
We lose our jobs, loved ones, friends, finances, and many things that mean so much to us. But storms aren't always bad for our environment. They expose weaknesses too. I saw many trees toppled over. I would have thought that they were firmly rooted, but the storm showed that they had no depth. Others were ripped through the middle down exposing the hollow they had within.
Don't curse disappointments when they come into your life. Disappointments are like the storms of nature, they provide cleansing too, and numerous lessons that will guide you along the course of life. If you've witnessed the devastation of a storm, within a few months, you'll see fresh buds on the trees again.
5. You won't stay forever young
Life is a journey and we'll only pass this way once. Live your best life. Honor your creator. Express gratitude. Be humble! Treat everyone with respect! Be at peace with yourself and others. Be happy. Forgive yourself and others. Spend quality time with the people that love you. Seize every opportunity to make the precious moments count, before you die. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away James 4:14.
6. You're beautiful in your way
Have you ever seen a field of flowers bloom? Aren't they all beautiful? Of course, they are! You and I were beautifully crafted and that's worth celebrating. Throughout this earth, there is only one of us and it doesn't matter if we were born twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc. Be proud of your true identity. Don't ever conform to the world's definition of beautiful. Don't ruin yourself to meet their perception of beauty. You were already created that way.
7. Make your presence be seen and felt
The wind is invisible, yet its presence can be seen and felt wherever it goes. Like the wind, let your presence be seen and felt. Wherever you go, make your mark there. Don't try to fit in! Don't try to blend in with everyone else! It's okay to be the odd one out, not a chameleon. Let the world see something different in you from the rest of them. If you try to be like everyone else, then no one will be you, for no one else can fulfill that role, but you! Always be yourself!
8. Life must be sustained
In the story of the sower and the seeds, those that fell amongst thorns did grow, but over time they choked and died. Your life is of the same nature. There are thistles and thorns in this world! Take good care of yourself. Avoid harmful substances in your body. Get enough rest, exercise, eat properly, avoid toxic people. Spend quality time alone to connect with God. Your life will never run on autopilot. You must keep your body and mind in good shape. Prioritize your wellbeing and those who are dependent on you. It's one of your greatest assets. Your health is your wealth.
9. Everything is only for a season
Our time on earth is only but for a time. Many have walked this earth before us. Nothing in this life lasts forever. If you are at your best, it will not last forever. If you are at your worst it will not last forever. Life is like the seasons. Nothing stays constant, changes come and go. Whichever season you are in, a change is coming. That's just life!
10. Growth takes time
Growth takes time to happen. Don't rush the process, trust the process! Exercise patience while you grow. In time you'll see the results. Don't look for the harvest in the planting season. It happens in phases. This is what the bible says about growth. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. Mark 4:28. It's the same with your life, growth takes time.
11. Aim high
The eagle is my favorite of all the birds. Not only do I admire its fierce nature, but it keeps focus on its target. Like the eagle hunts viciously for its prey. Have some form of hunger in achieving your goals and ambitions. Set your standards high and maintain them. Have a clear sense of direction of where you want to be in life, and remain on course. Dare the limits of your comfort zone!
12. Give others a chance to shine
What I admire most about the sun and the moon is that they both shine when it's their time. Always give others a chance to showcase their abilities. Be genuinely happy for others, when they are excelling in life, even if you don't know them. Regardless of race, color, class, or creed. Celebrate the victory of others without holding any grudges. Extend congratulations to others when they are doing well. Blow the trumpet aloud when others are doing well. The world doesn't revolve around any of us. Speak good things about others. Let them enjoy their moment of shine.
13. Life can change in a split second
Have you ever experienced a sudden downpour of rain on a sunny day? Yes, I know how disturbing it can be. Especially, if you have nowhere to shelter. Life is like that, and it can change in a split second. Tomorrow is promised to no one. Make the most of what you have to do today. Don't allow procrastination to ruin the opportunity that you have now. Do your best, do what you can, do it with all your might.
14. Shine your light wherever you go!
Don't ever be afraid to let your light shine. There are millions of stars in our galaxies, each reflecting its light. Be a star in this world. Don't hide your light. Let it glow. Lead others out of the darkness. Be a beacon of hope for others. Shine your light so bright for all the world to see.
Comments
Post a Comment
Please do not post any spam links in the comments. They will be removed. Thank you!