Give Thanks

On this Earth Day Day I will breathe the fresh air of the Blue Ridge,
and give thanks.
I will feel the cool grass of the meadow on my back,
and give thanks.
I will enjoy the warmth of the spring sun on my face,
and give thanks.
I will dip my hand into the life-giving waters of a rushing stream,
and give thanks.
I will watch birds, and worms, and trees, and blackberry bushes, and I will remember all that I see is but the tiniest fraction of life on our planet,
and I will give thanks.
I will let a handful of rich soil sift slowly through my fingers,
and give thanks.
I will look to the sky, and remember that I, the one, am but one of many, and
I will give thanks.
Finally, I will leave the mountain, say goodbye to the raccoons and foxes and otters, the minnows and trout, the robins and blue jays, the gravel and rocks and boulders, the wildflowers, streambeds, soft meadows and fallen trees, and as I drive home through the traffic, past the billboards, the fast food restaurants, the parking lots, and the subdivisions,
I will have renewed hope.