I have come to think that this beautiful creature that God made ‘…a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour…’ has a special place in this wonderful world.

But we are such a small part of all the good things that he made.

The sweep of land from forest to crags peering through the shroud of mist.

The wild beauty of a summer storm as lightening splits the night.

The cold flickering of the northern lights in the dark winter.

The smell of spring on fresh April mornings, when all things seem possible.

These events will happen whether or not we observe them, whether or not we participate within them. But in experiencing them, perhaps we bear unique witness to the artistry of the Creator. Perhaps we alone can tell at least some of the story, some of the shape and size of what this thing called Earth really is.

Sometimes it seems to me that we overplay our place as the top of nature’s food chain. After all, we are so small, and other life-forms on this planet may yet outlast us.

But then it occurs to me yet again that we beautiful creatures are alone in our ability to understand, to measure, and ultimately to choose to raise our voices in concert with the angels in a unique song of praise…