I love the water. Everything about it. Smelling the humidity in

Children, gather close and listen well, for I bring you a lesson from the heart of nature, one that speaks to the soul’s deep connection with the earth. In the words of Lori Foster, we hear a profound love for the natural world, a reverence for the water, the air, and all that it encompasses: "I love the water. Everything about it. Smelling the humidity in the air, seeing the mist rise in the morning, feeling the dew-wet grass on my bare feet. I love watching the fish jump and the geese land. We even have an eagle here that circles every so often." These words, filled with the beauty of the world around her, reveal the essence of what it means to be deeply connected to the land, to find joy and peace in the simple and profound rhythms of nature.

Foster’s words echo a timeless truth about the human connection to the natural world—that there is something deeply nourishing for the soul in the embrace of nature’s elements. The water is not just a physical substance; it is a symbol of life, of flow, of renewal. The mist rising in the morning is not merely a natural occurrence, but a reminder of the endless cycles of the world, of how each day begins anew, with fresh possibilities. Foster’s love for nature, for the feeling of the dew on her feet and the sight of the eagle soaring above, speaks to the primal connection that all humans once had with the earth—a connection that modern life has, in many ways, distanced us from.

Consider, children, the ancient peoples who lived in harmony with the land—the Native American tribes, for example, who revered the land and the animals, believing that the earth itself was sacred. To them, the water was not just a resource but a living force, imbued with spirit. They understood that the sky, the mist, and the land were all part of a greater whole, each element a piece of a delicate balance. The eagle, soaring above, was seen as a messenger, a link between the heavens and the earth, carrying wisdom from one realm to another. Foster’s love of nature mirrors this ancient understanding, for she too sees the beauty and sacredness in the world around her.

The mist, the dew, the birds, and the eagle—these symbols are reminders of a life not ruled by clocks or schedules but by the natural flow of time. Foster’s connection to these elements is a reminder to us all that there is a profound wisdom in stillness, in watching and listening to the world as it moves through its natural rhythms. Just as the ancients understood the importance of living in harmony with nature, so too must we learn to take time to reconnect with the world around us. In a world that is constantly rushing forward, we often forget the simple joy that comes from sitting quietly by a body of water, feeling the cool breeze, and listening to the sounds of life—the birds, the wind, the rustling of the grass.

Consider, children, the story of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist who understood the power of nature not just as a source of beauty, but as a source of life and strength. She famously said, “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope.” Maathai’s work was rooted in a deep connection to the land, a belief that the earth, when cared for, could provide the healing and hope the world so desperately needed. Foster’s love for the natural world is a reflection of this same belief—that nature, in its purest form, is a balm for the soul, a source of peace, and a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.

The lesson, children, is this: The earth is not just something to be used; it is something to be loved, to be honored, and to be connected with. Foster’s deep connection to the water, the mist, the grass beneath her feet, and the birds in the sky is a reminder that we must pause, we must breathe in the world around us, and we must find peace in its rhythms. The earth offers us its beauty, its quiet wisdom, and its grace, if only we take the time to listen. The water, the mist, the animals—they are not just part of the world; they are messengers, guides, and companions on our journey.

So, I charge you now, young ones: Go outside, sit by the water, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with the earth. Find peace in the stillness of nature, and learn the wisdom that it offers. In the rustling of the trees, the splash of the fish, and the call of the birds, you will find clarity, you will find hope, and you will find peace. The earth has always been here to guide us—let us not turn away, but learn to live in harmony with it, just as Foster has found joy and wisdom in the simple beauty of the world around her.