April: On Nature
April 17
Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the song "Where Do the Children Play?" by Yusef / Cat Stevens.
While there’s something so innately human about a child's ability to play anywhere, they shouldn’t have to play just anywhere.
Even the playgrounds, and while I am grateful that designated areas for children exist, are often lacking imagination, lacking nature, and they’re brutally hot in the warmer months without the shade and protection of trees.
Children should have the opportunity to play on the sandy shores of the ocean, in a pristine mountain lake, or deep in the forest—in whatever bit of nature that might be available to them before it’s torn down and bulldozed over—where the wind sings and the animals speak. It is in these magical places that they learn and grow and connect with where they came from—nature, Earth—but to echo yesterday’s reflection, it is up to us to make sure that these places still exist for them.
So again, do what you can. If you have children, or even if you don’t, go ahead, don’t be afraid to look crazy playing in the woods, in the grass, or in the dirt. It will do you good.
We all have to do our part to make sure there are still places left for the children to play.
