Getting To Know A Small Town Girl
A small town, country girl who was born and raised on a farm, I was always taught to appreciate and respect nature. Living on the farm my entire life allowed me to witness first hand how all elements of nature work together. Animals might sometimes need assistance from humans, but for centuries they have survived and continue to survive just fine based on their interaction with the elements of nature. Similarly, gardens, trees, and other plants require attention from humans, however their main source of nutrition comes from water and sunlight. As a child this natural relationship occurring on the farm became evident to me and I longed for an explanation. Every child is informed of this relationship through science classes, but I was informed of the relationship in a more personal manner, which I seem to better appreciate. My family told me that this relationship was all a part of God's plan upon creating the universe: He created the plants, animals, and all the natural cycles in a way that they could all work together continuously, then He created man and commanded him to rule over this creation. Finally, the complexity of something really so simple was completely clear to me, and once I could see it crystal clear all I could see was beauty.
Aside from growing up on the farm, I also learned to appreciate nature through two of my favorite past times when I am not playing softball, hunting and camping. Some might argue that hunting does not allow one to see the beauty of nature due to the fact that it is killing an animal, however, sometimes hunting is a necessity for food and it is not done out of cruelty. For myself, hunting is a way of relaxation. Being in the quiet, peaceful woods with nobody else around is a way to escape when anything is going wrong. Camping, on the same note, is another way to escape a bustling town or anything that might be troublesome. My family often chooses camping spots in National Forest areas, so we get to experience the peace and tranquility of nature each and every time we go.
When I stop and really think about nature, it almost makes me feel like a stranger. I agree with Thoreau, it is most definitely great to escape from today's bustling, frustrating, "un-naturalized" society every once and a while and take a little hike into some fresh air to experience some peace and nature. However, I do not believe that entirely separating ourselves from other humans will bring us closer to nature. I believe that God commanded us to rule over this creation, thus we all have a connection with nature and should attempt to seek the beauty in it all.
Claire Wilson
Aside from growing up on the farm, I also learned to appreciate nature through two of my favorite past times when I am not playing softball, hunting and camping. Some might argue that hunting does not allow one to see the beauty of nature due to the fact that it is killing an animal, however, sometimes hunting is a necessity for food and it is not done out of cruelty. For myself, hunting is a way of relaxation. Being in the quiet, peaceful woods with nobody else around is a way to escape when anything is going wrong. Camping, on the same note, is another way to escape a bustling town or anything that might be troublesome. My family often chooses camping spots in National Forest areas, so we get to experience the peace and tranquility of nature each and every time we go.
When I stop and really think about nature, it almost makes me feel like a stranger. I agree with Thoreau, it is most definitely great to escape from today's bustling, frustrating, "un-naturalized" society every once and a while and take a little hike into some fresh air to experience some peace and nature. However, I do not believe that entirely separating ourselves from other humans will bring us closer to nature. I believe that God commanded us to rule over this creation, thus we all have a connection with nature and should attempt to seek the beauty in it all.
Claire Wilson