Most people who know me know that I am a technological troglodyte. Take the cell phone, for instance. A phone is an instrument for making and receiving calls. Why it’s called a smartphone is beyond me. It doesn’t really teach me a thing. At least until now.
There are several phone apps (why they are called “apps” is another issue) that can help us identify flora and fauna around us. Hopefully, we are only identifying birds, not bears. Merlin Bird ID, a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will help you id the birds whose songs you hear by recording them.
There’s one called Seek (appropriate, don’t you think?) that identifies plants, fungi, wildlife; it’s supposed to be easy to use. Then, there’s iNaturalist and Pl@ntNet. I know Pl@ntNet works; a friend loaded it for me. Now I can identify the surprises that grow in my garden which probably come from birds dropping seeds. Fortunately, I don’t need an app to take photos, like the bee on the beebalm the other morning when it actually wasn’t raining.
Prayer for the Day
Maker and Sustainer, we are humbled by the infinitude of life:
From the shells of tiny whelks to the whale in the sea;
The trees of the forest towering above us to the lowly mushroom,
Even the groundhogs who make a meal in our gardens.
May we show our gratitude by caring for the earth and all its creatures;
Hold us in your heart and strength, O God, as we seek to do your will.
In the name of the One who shows us how to care,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
i thank You God for most this amazing day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes
e.e. cummings, American poet and artist (1894-1962)
At some point in life the world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph, paint, or even remember it. It is enough.
Toni Morrison, American writer (1931-2019)
Lord, you have been our dwelling pace in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the world,
From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
Psalm 90: 1-2