The first snow of the season is on its way. Many people pay little attention to the weather and they spend very little time out of doors. They acquire tans with the use of sun tanning beds, run on indoor tracks, and remain detached from the natural world. They are put out, put off, and inconvenienced by those things as natural as rain or as pure as newly fallen snow. In a natural disaster, they would not have a clue how to survive.
Other species; however, must plan ahead and prepare for winter, if they are to survive. Whether it is spinning a cocoon or chrysalis, or searching out a safe place to hibernate, they know that time is of the essence, or they might be left out in the cold. Squirrels busy themselves stockpiling nuts to see them through the winter. Birds set out on migration to warmer climates. Trees slow down their food production, turning sugars into starch to be stored until it is needed.
Other than winterizing their home and changing over their automobiles to snow tires, the modern human being has little to worry about in preparing for winter. If he lives in a major city, grocery stores and convenience stores litter every major intersection. Should he encounter trouble, he has highway patrol, ambulances, and neighbors ready to lend a hand. Even those fortunate enough to live outside of city limits, generally have a backup generator and a supply of food and water to see them through a storm.
We often take our modern life for granted. We have come to expect hot and cold running water, flushing toilets, electric lights, and heat to warm our homes. We may become angry if our TV or Internet goes out because we have grown intolerant of anything that might interfere with our way of life. The reality of this is that many people have faced unexpected disasters due to global warming. Hurricanes, floods, and fires are becoming more prevalent. We must remember that all things pass and life as we know it could pass by in the blink of an eye. We could be left out in the cold.
Let’s be thankful for what we have today and do our part to help out other creatures and other people in whatever way we can. Let’s appreciate what could easily be gone tomorrow. Let it rain, let it snow, let the wind blow, and always remember to give thanks.
