When we need to take a long break--like a spiritual retreat--or even a vacation, we like going closer to nature. Why? Because when God himself rested, there was nothing on earth but nature. Nothing of man was there--or in all creation. Even in outer space. No human junk yet.
So, being made in our Creator's image, we also prefer near-nature retreats or even a respite from the daily grind of our jobs or businesses. Adam and Even enjoyed that nature escapade with God until they thought of making their own, turned out to be human junk. So we're often refreshed when exposed long enough to pure nature. God's own handiwork.
But some folks spoil their nature trips when they bring along human junk. My friend once went up Trinidad, Benguet supposedly to enjoy the mountains but brought along his headphone to listen to junk music instead of just quietly listening to creation. What a way to spoil a vacation. Turn your sadness into laughter. Click here.
I mean, spend all that money just to listen to junk music? Or play video games? Or play board games? You should've just stayed home.
You go up mountains to escape city life--but you bring along junk. I can't figure that out. You go on a picnic near rivers or by the rice fields or seashore but eat fast food junks and junk snacks. I look for local fresh fruits when I'm in the province but sadly all they offer are mostly chippy and softdrinks. "What happened to guavas and siniguelas and caimito?" I ask. They look at me like I was an idiot.
Well, they offer you kalamansi or guyabano juice in tetra packs with labels saying "fresh."
I like eating fresh, handpicked veggies for lunch or dinner when I'm in my hometown. Once, while in the middle of a rice field during harvest season, the caretaker offered us raw amplaya young shoots garnished with sliced onions, tomatoes with a sprinkle of bagoong or preserved fish. I love the crunch that came with every bite plus that sweet-bitter taste wonderfully neutralized by fish preserve and freshly harvested rice.
At one time we were served native chicken tinola with freshly picked papaya for an all-organic lunch. Nothing artificial about it, all in the environs of rustic paddies. You savor real creation from God unspoiled by human junk. Ripe rice stalks swaying in the cool wind in the backdrop with a hint of its sweetness in the air.
How can you mar all that with human junk?
Next time you take a break to the countryside, forget about city junks, your boss and work included, and just ponder on the works of God. He himself saw that it was good, a guarantee of what you can expect when you stay close to nature.
