The beauty of the earth

I am blessed to live in a region of our country that enjoys mild temperatures year round. This affords me such a variety of nature since this specific part of the country experiences only three seasons. Winter exists as a brief nap in which the trees shed their leaves to return again a month later. I have an ocean and mountains at my disposal that are but a short distance from me. I have lived in the southwestern desert and in the midAtlantic regions with very different environments. Each possesses its own unique beauty. The planet shares its beauty freely. It only asks that we respect it and care for it. It is the gift of the Universe to all mankind. What do we choose to do to honor this gift? I begin by expressing my gratitude and appreciation for all that it offers. Then I ask myself what I can do to be in partnership with the planet. What can I do today to ensure that generations to follow will experience the beauty of the earth that is ours today?