While most people published their favorites lists for 2017 weeks ago, I’m just now getting around to sharing a few of my favorites from among the photos took in 2017. Above: nature itself shows us that creatures are competitive in survival. No “Disneyfication” of nature. I love watching the birds at the feeder in winter, but love is not the default mode for them. They compete for survival. Only humans are capable of the Christian love which takes us beyond our genes and self-preservatoin into the realm of free will and choice and love. Self-denial turns out to be a key in what it is to be human.
Even as the storm approached at sunset, I could see beauty in the world. It was early spring and the leaves were not yet out. There was a chill in the air – but the colors were eye catching. I enjoyed the moment – literally the moment, for many things pass away quite quickly in life even when we feel they last for a long time.
Spring comes and I am glad for it. I am not a winter person. Spring bursts forth with life and hues and scents, all speaking of life and the Creator. I’ve paid far more attention to these details since having a camera.
Sunrises and sunsets are stunningly wonderful to observe. They can be awe inspiring, and yet because they are a daily occurrence, they seem invisibly mundane to so many. No wonder the ancients felt dawn and dusk were hours of prayer.
From the smallest of creatures comes great things. We forget how dependent we are on insects for example to pollinate plants for our food. We stomp on them for the fun of it, and otherwise ignore them thinking we could live without them.
There are human wonders as well at which I marvel. Humans have been gifted to do marvelous things through math, science, engineering, art and architecture. We are capable of great works and of creating things not only pragmatic, but beautiful.
And I often just enjoy whatever it is I am blessed to see on a given day. Nothing special, and yet everything is special. You can view all of my favorite 2017 photos at Fr. Ted’s 2017 Favorites. Favorites don’t necessarily mean “best” – they are personally the ones I enjoy the most.
Fraternized 