Enjoy a moment with Nature and you might just learn something...

The winner of the recent Toastmaster International Speech contest, Gary Green, delivered an amazing speech in which he reminded us of the importance of spending time in Nature.  The mere act of communing with Nature magically brings enlightenment.

While pondering my Purpose today, I took a moment today to spend some time in the local forest.

In a very short time a concept filtered to the surface of my brain: everything in the forest has a Purpose.  A tree becomes a tree despite all of the storms, disease, bitter cold and searing heat.  A tree doesn't question its purpose -- it just goes about fulfilling it.

And certainly not all trees are meant to be 100 meter majestic miracles.  Some fall and die.  Yet in their death, they provided sustenance to other forest flora.  Likewise, not all trees can break through the canopy, but instead broaden and shelter the fauna below.  Others are riddled with holes and provide homes for creatures small and great.

A few unfortunates are cut down by mankind, but even in this horrible end, the trees are still useful -- perhaps they will warm a family as they are burnt or become a part of a home.

I could not help but remember that I, as a human, am like any one of the trees in the forest -- despite the adversity that I face, I will still be the tree I am meant to be... whether I crash and fall and nourish my fellow humans or sore into the sky and inspire others who follow me, I still have Purpose.

Just Being is a Purpose in and of itself.