Sis and I were talking about the strange things we do on our computers when we turn to mush and get sucked into the world wide web. Kelsey looks for cars at carmax.com, peruses every posted picture on hokiesports.com, and reviews weather forecasts for every city she's ever thought she might like to live.
I prefer to visit blogs, especially Google's Blogs of Note. It's like the work of paparazzi, but autobiographical and therefore, consensual. I also can't stay away from National Geographic's website. Their Photo of the Day never disappoints. As I find myself stuck on their website again tonight, marveling at the wonders of the world as captured by camera, I am reminded how BIG the world is and how even BIGGER still God must be to have created this. These many creatures, these unique people, these striking habitats... all different, carefully constructed, and precariously balanced. All beautiful in their design. Our Maker is innovative, yes?
Lesson to self: Breathe deeply and step out of self-centered, tiny world. Breathe deeply again, and the breath is a little less haggard. It's also a little deeper, in fact, because my perspective has returned. My vision has widened and deepened.
I am not the center of the world. I am not the protagonist. I am God's beloved, but me and my flippant preferences are not meant to reign as absolute in this life.
I figured I'd pass a few photos and captions along, courtesy of nationalgeographic.com, of course! If I'm not inspired enough to write something worth reading, I'll settle for passing along something worth viewing.
AUGUST 10, 2011
Kermode Bear in Tree, British Columbia
Photograph by Paul Nicklen, National Geographic
This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine Features
A mother of two cubs climbs a Pacific crab apple tree to grab its tart and tiny fruit. In years when autumn salmon numbers are low, the bears must find other food, such as wild berries, lupine roots, and mussels.
AUGUST 8, 2011
Nujood Ali, Yemen
Photograph by Stephanie Sinclair, National Geographic
This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine Features
Nujood Ali was ten when she fled her abusive, much older husband and took a taxi to the courthouse in Sanaa, Yemen. The girl's courageous act—and the landmark legal battle that ensued—turned her into an international heroine for women's rights. Now divorced, she is back home with her family and attending school again.
AUGUST 3, 2011
Al Kazimiyah Shrine, Baghdad
Photograph by Lynsey Addario, National Geographic
This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine Features
Pilgrims visit Al Kazimiyah Shrine, a Shiite holy site relatively unharmed by the years of violence.
JULY 31, 2011
Koala, Australia
Photograph by Gary Brown, Your Shot
This Month in Photo of the Day: Animal Pictures
This little miracle was saved from its dead mother. Taken at The Australian Reptile Park in Australia NSW. The amazing staff hand raised this little fella and against all the odds he is surviving and is just immensely cute!!!
JULY 29, 2011
Cheetah, South Africa
Photograph by Frank Trimbos, My Shot
This Month in Photo of the Day: Animal Pictures
Enjoying the attention, the cheetah Juba stretches out in the grass at Wetevreden Leeuplaas (Lion Farm). She needed some peace and quiet because her leg was broken.
JULY 21, 2011
Deer, Japan
Photograph by Angie Sin, Your Shot
This Month in Photo of the Day: Animal Pictures
Deer in Nara, Japan, are revered as holy messengers of God and are allowed to roam freely. They are well known for their bowing gestures for food.
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