Tag Archives: survival

An Abrupt Change of Scenery

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Heavy snow laden branches stretching out as if grasping for something to hold them up. The previous day these same branches were void of anything but a few birds and squirrels. Winter asserted herself with a vicious storm which swept across much of the continent.

As I study these tree branches; roots, mycelium, and tendrils come to mind. Even human nerves and blood vessels seemingly appear as these thread-like tenacles. The snow clings to bark like urchins to rocks. After the snow stopped and the temperature dipped, the wind gusted heavily, and the snow began to fall, but not all of it.

Like all storms, calm eventually replaces havoc. The sun will shine tomorrow, but remnants of clouds will still float by to remind us of nature’s fury. I shudder when I contemplate what it would be like to be trapped in the wilderness during such a storm; with no shelter, no food, inadequate clothing, lacking reassuring direction, no cell phone, and faced with the prospect of trying to survive by my own wits. Would I be up to the task? Would I lose hope and perish? Or would I rise to the occasion and push on until I found relief?

I may never experience such an ordeal, but I want to believe that I would push on and survive…to live another day. Whether the quest be called courage, ‘the will to survive’, or sheer stubbornness, the result would be the same…appreciation for another opportunity to breathe, to laugh, to not squander the precious time I have left in my life. I certainly don’t know what tomorrow (or even the rest of today) may offer me in the way of challenges or blessings, but what I do know is this: cherish each pleasant moment and make wonderful memories with those we love most.

Winter Winds

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The late November wind blew through my yard like a hurricane blitzes through a tropical region. No stopping it nor slowing it down. They both blow ‘till they run themselves out of energy.

In the meantime, I must steady myself as I tend to yard work in preparation for Winter’s fury…more wind plus freezing temps. How I hate that combination. I like snow. I don’t mind the cold but put the wind behind them and I absolutely can’t tolerate that duo of freezing temps and wind.

Some folk never experience what I just described while others live it much of the year. The later either like it, adapt to it or simply don’t know anything else but the Winter Winds. How they endure it I really don’t know. Yet, many thrive regardless of the harsh conditions.

I suppose those fine people in the rain forest don’t mind the sweltering heat and humidity along with the insects and snakes and predators. Adaptation seems to be the order of survival regardless of the circumstances. Besides, what else do they know?

Fast forward to areas with urban, suburban and country settings. Each assemblage have their own survival skills. Most of these skills are taught or simply learned by trial and error to stay alive. They are not so far apart from the Amazonian and the Arctic peoples of Planet Earth. They just live within a different set of circumstances. A bit more moderate, perhaps.

Along with geographical differences come traditional differences, as well. What may seem odd to one group of folks is normal to another and vice versa. Diversity among the human race is one of God’s crowning achievements, similar to the animal kingdom. Yet, ignorance often breeds contempt and misunderstanding which is sad. Rather than go off on a tangent about the negatives, I choose to celebrate the glorious and positive variety among God’s creatures. I’m so glad these differences exist…it would be rather boring if they didn’t.

For those in the parts of our world where the sun doesn’t shine so much, bundle up, as this winter seems to be starting off on the colder side of the thermometer. Cheers!