I came across a National Geographic article talking about war torn central Africa. This area in Africa is essentially nature's paradise with abundant biodiversity, wildlife, and natural beauty. But it is also the most populated place on earth. Violence ensues over land and resources. To say that life is hard is an understatement. The life expectancy is 50 years old, the average income is $1000 per person, on average 5 children are born per woman, and multiple genocides have killed and displaced millions. The demand for food and fuel is so high that armed groups have invaded the forests in the national parks, destroying paradise in the name of fuel and power. It is a place where the national parks are war zones.
Knowing this strife, destruction, and injustice is happening in the world is disheartening. It certainly does put life in perspective. Here I am upset to be stuck in an airport on Thanksgiving? Annoyed no restaurants are open and I had to eat out of a vending machine? It's so easy to almost forget how good we have it. Despite the current woes of today: the suffering economy, political unrest, and global warming; we are abundantly blessed.
We are not only rich in our possessions, but in our spirit and each other. We live in a country where injustice is not tolerated, and personal freedom is a right for all. The power of one can have just as much influence as the power of many. And there is more love than hate.
Most importantly, can seek refuge from the chaos and confusion of life in nature. Discover inspiration in parks and wilderness areas that have been preserved. Ours is a paradise protected, thankfully.
