The way a nation treats its people, its animals,
its plants and its resources
says a lot about that nation!
Robyn
Our Big Backyard AUSTRALIA DAY
Today is our Australia Day Public Holiday.
Australia has suffered widespread disaster from fires, floods and cyclones throughout the month of January.
At present, we are a land where there is solid grief in the hearts of those who have, during this past month, and previously, lost much as nature has brought devastation to towns and farms, ravaging huge areas of our bushland, plains and coast.
May we look out for each other and help each other in whatever ways we can.
Supporting the shield on Australia's Coat of Arms are a Red Kangaroo which we call a "Big Red" and an Emu. Both are large, well-known native fauna, found only in Australia.
It is very infrequent that either of these animals move backwards - generally only moving forwards.
May our nation progress, moving forward in all ways, and may each of us be fully present in our awareness of God, of one another other, and of nature, responding rightly to each of these.
There could hardly be an Aussie who does not appreciate our big backyard. Some play cricket, some swim at the beach, some are off to the pub for a beer, and some, today, on Australia Day, will be visiting Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, which is a 20 minute drive from our home, in a lovely spot of Australia's bush. Below are links for us to remember conservationist, Steve Irwin, and to appreciate the wildlife conservation efforts of Australia Zoo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rdyVP95XiE
Uploaded on Nov 7, 2008 This is a beautiful song, from the Aussie singer John Williamson,
taken at Steve Irwin's Memorial Service.
Uploaded on Nov 9, 2008 John Williamson - Give Me a Home Among the Gum Trees (Live, Steve Irwin Tribute, 2006.)
from Robyn