“Nature never makes any blunders. When she makes a fool she means it.”

~ Archibald Alexander

Notable 19^th Century theologian Archibald Alexander’s words were prescient for our times.  Despite the remarkable advances of science and medicine in more recent years, a thing we cannot see has brought our “modern” world temporarily to its knees.  The forces of nature remain far greater than our ability to control them.

At the same time, our ability to understand Nature better than before, and create defenses to those elements that threaten us, gives us hope. We’ve also learned along the way that this crisis will eventually pass and life will continue — for most of us.  And for that, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to the medical professionals and first responders who work tirelessly and selflessly to protect us. The wonderful thing about their service is that they don’t do it because of government mandate; they do it because they care.

Early in my career, I was faced with another natural disaster, one far more localized than the present one that has enveloped our world.  Nonetheless, it enveloped mine in 12 degree (Fahrenheit)  temperatures in a place that seldom sees a frost.  And that destroyed a 4 Generation agricultural business overnight.  Mother Nature is a fickle business partner.  But it didn’t destroy our family and I learned one of the most important lessons of my life:  “After a hard freeze, it will eventually warm up again.”

While I’m not gifted with the ability to predict the future, I do believe this immediate crisis will pass.  And we will learn from it as we’ve always done through human history.  Will we remember and apply the lessons for our mutual benefit?  Time will tell.

That said, I’m not fond of talk about adjusting to the “New Normal”.  Is there any such thing?  I prefer to think about adapting to a changing world. And it is my personal hope that this crisis event will open minds to dealing with far greater challenges that will face us in coming years.  Our best days are ahead!

To those who are pondering these thoughts about our natural world, please join the conversation and take good care.

Tempus Maximize!