Thais K Baer

Four Seasons, Five Senses Thais K Baer

The idea for FOUR SEASONS . . . FIVE SENSES was born at a church "camp-out." After a midday meeting, the church members wandered from the majestic lodge to "get a breath" in the yard outside. There in the fragrant air of a lovely pine forest they looked up at the sky and exclaimed, "Isn't it marvelous to be out in nature!" One by one they strolled back to their motor homes and travel trailers and weren't seen again for the remainder of the day. I was perched on a nearby picnic table as I heard these exclamations of joy. Above the conversation, I was enjoying the "yank, yank" call of a nuthatch, the distant guttural croaks of a gliding raven, saw that high cirrus clouds signaled a weather change within 24 hours and followed the progress of two Douglas squirrels playing tag. What a pity that the others were not enjoying these things too! The collective education of the congregation that day was well above average: medical personnel, ministers, lawyers, educators, business leaders. So why did they obviously feel so helpless, yet curious, "out in nature"? A key thought popped to mind: Their five senses had gone into retirement! They had forgotten how to see and smell, taste, touch and feel the beautiful world around them. That's tragic, I thought. How much life these people are missing . . . and I decided to do something about it. With some facts to start them out, but remembering that time is precious, I determined to share some of my enthusiasm for nature lore with busy, yet curious, people. The discovery of God's much-neglected second book can be one of life's most delightful pleasures. I recommend it for everyone. - Thais K. Baer