We are not alone
We’ll leave for another day the whole “life on other worlds” debate. For the moment, we’re simply fascinated by the incredible variety of life on this world.
After the recent rains we’ve seen scores of raccoons out and about; they must have been making their homes in the storm drains. Who can fail to be charmed by these curious creatures, already dressed for Halloween as the little bandits they are?
There is a fox that lives near our office. Perhaps it’s a fox family; it’s tough to tell, as they’re not nearly as bold as the ‘coons. And in the late months of summer we often saw deer down in the Valley floor, presumably looking for tastier treats as the hills got drier.
These are just three of the thousands of wild animals that share this special place with us. And what about the chickens? We thought we saw a few on the Plaza not too long ago. Could it be true they’ve “returned”?
Of course, chickens aren’t wild; they’re farm animals. One of our favorite bumper stickers reads, “Free the Farm Animals” and frankly, we’d be happy to see chickens back on the Plaza. A call for donations would get an immediate response, we’re sure, as more folks in the Valley seem to be raising chickens these days. What finer way is there to start the day than the crow of proud roosters? They’re truly a “green” alarm clock.
Bugs, on the other hand, don’t quite engender the same parental pleasure that these other animals do. Truly ancient, the incredible variety and resilience of insects and other “bugs” has led some to the opinion that, when mankind is gone, the Earth will become a bug kingdom. Probably, it has been all along, but we just don’t recognize from the little bug-free zones in which many of us live, move and work.
Lighting the way
Doesn’t it feel like a white Christmas?
We realize that may not make a lot of sense, but that’s been our repeated impression driving into the Springs late in the evenings. It’s the wonderful new streetlights, thanks to the many community members who worked for so long and hard.
Maybe it’s how bright the lights are, or maybe the fresh pavement is especially reflective, but they are certainly cheery.
‘Don’t go to church’
It’s surprising how many people were touched by our coverage last week of the community work performed two weeks ago by people from the local St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
Readers know that we’re almost as skeptical of organized religion as we are of government. We fear the power that people wield over others, whether they profess to tell us how to live our economic lives, our social lives or our spiritual lives. But glad service to others, seeking nothing in return – that’s true mission work.
We enjoy the expression, “Preach the gospel always … and if necessary, use words.” Actions do speak volumes, and service to others is indeed a key message of the Christian gospel. Reportedly, these actions of service will be performed again next year, on Sunday, October 10 – “10-10-10” – and the St. Andrew folks will be joined by other congregations in the Valley. By just such acts of service have people changed the world. We can, if we choose, be a blessing to others.
