Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and philosopher, remarked, “Look deep into nature, and then you understand everything better.”                                                                                         

We are part of, depend on and evolve with nature.  As we slowly creep out of a long winter the beauty of nature can have a profound effect on our senses: awe, wonder, amazement, peace, and meditation. Take time to enjoy our surroundings: watch the beauty of a Maine sunset, think about the spectacular night skies and marvel at the first buds of early spring.

Find comfort, beauty and wonderment strolling through a local park or along our beaches.

As spring unlatches its heavy doors my heart brightens. What will the complexion of my very small garden be?  I grow restless to be growing things.  I only have a small flower patch but I wait in surprise as I watch little sprouts appear each day. 

Part of the excitement is not being sure of what is coming up where: tulips, daffodils, iris, crocuses and more. The spring garden awakes slowly. However because of the deep snow in my backyard I did not get the pussy willows. They have already turned fuzzy yellow. 

Gardeners share their love of natural beauty and getting hands dirty as they dig in the sunshine. They get caught up in the rhythm of the growing season.  We have a “buy local” movement and enjoy and appreciate the popularity of the farmer’s market, especially, as they continue to grow. 

Ra[ph Waldo Emerson says: “the sky, the mountain, the tree, the animal, give us delight in and for themselves.” 

Emerson seems to think that beauty in the natural world is not limited to certain parts of nature to the exclusion of others. He writes that every landscape lies under “the necessity of being beautiful” and that beauty breaks in everywhere.”

Emerson says that nature is beautiful because it is alive, moving, and reproductive.        

These quotations were taken by a fellow in the Harvard Philosophy Department from Emerson’s journals, his book “Nature” and his essays “Nature, “Art” “Beauty and “Spiritual Laws.”

Michael Popyoy explores the thoughts of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The focus is on Emerson’s claim about the existence of Truth, Goodness and beauty in nature. 

Will these claims inform our current approach to the environment? 

Once again we come to the border-line between Great and Holy Lent and Easter. We remember the cross of Calvary’s hill, the bleeding nail prints in His hands, feet and side.  With spiritual eyes we see our Lord and Savior standing before the tribunals, falling victim to one of His Disciples, crucified and resurrected. 

We realize that here is the true meaning of life, here is the reward that has been promised to us, here is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Happy Wonderful Easter to all.