A Bubble of Nature

The flies on my arms, the sound of crickets and birds all around me, trees soaring high into the sky. Have I woken up in a distant land? Have I strayed into a place faraway from home? I can scarcely believe I am awake. I start to tremble, the fear beginning to set in. There are no familiar sounds, no familiar sights. I have no idea where I am. Then, a loud roar of engines startles me, and I am relieved. I am not lost; I’m still within the comforts of the city. As I start to see past the trees and the wildlife, I begin to notice the buildings, the cars, and all the people, rushing to their destinations in he hustle and bustle of the University of the Philippines. I remember that I have my own destination to rush to, but oddly enough, I feel compelled to stay within the borders of this small area of nature and simply relax. I have no desire to continue my run towards my fate. I choose to take in all the sights, the sounds, and the smells so I can admire everything that God has made, even just for a little while. Yet, even while I ignore the actual city not too far from me and watch the surroundings, I am still reminded of a city. The ants are scurrying around, looking for food, also rushing, just like us. Never stopping, always running, food on their backs, building materials for the anthill being passed around, making sure that every step they take won’t be their last.  They remind me of people in the city, struggling to support their families, helping each other with everyday jobs, making sure that each action doesn’t lead to negative consequences. The trees tower over the ants, like buildings in our own concrete jungle. As I look at the trees, I see leaves falling down from them, dried up because they served their purpose, but still beautiful nevertheless because of the way the sun shines on them, and because of the wind that helps them fall gracefully down to the ground. I believe that their deaths are not wasted. From them, new life is born and I am truly amazed at how God has designed all of these.

Of course, I can’t stay in this place forever, I have somewhere to be, and my friends remind me of that be calling my name. So unfortunately, my trance is broken, and my epiphanies ended. But as I get up, pick up my bag, and walk out of this bubble of nature, I realize that I am secretly glad, for I have seen nature in its purest form and God’s splendor is shown, even in the most random and little things.