I do not consider myself to be an oblivious person. I try to be aware of my surroundings at all times. However, I have been at the University of Texas for two years and have passed the biology pond many times. I noticed the most amazing thing as I took my seat: that there were in fact three ponds. I had noticed the end pool on the corner with its darling turtles and strange plant life. I am not sure why I never took the time to look further into the picture or question the figments outlining my peripheral vision.

My action is a perfect example of how people today go through life never really seeing anything. I am reminded of something my father use to say: "Most people in this world are asleep but there are a few people with their eyes open that live in a constant state of amazement." I want to be one of those people who enjoy and observe everything the world has to offer. I want experience nature and know that I see all of its beauty.

I ask myself why I have never taken the time to rest on the grassy knoll and admire the life surrounding it. Had I taken this time I would have noticed the other ponds sooner. I always feel rushed; I never have a moment for simple pleasures. We feel that we do not have that much time on earth. The truth is that human kind is almost insignificant in the time line of the earth (Darwin 341). And yet however little time we have spent here we still have moments in which to enjoy nature.

I find it interesting that the grand tower clock stands tall in the background. Perhaps, subconsciously, I see the clock and I am reminded of the fast lifestyle that I must lead and therefore can not "waste" time. I am to busy with my own self interests and pursuits to stray from the daily grind. Life has become so complex and fast. Even time, a hypothetical theory, is more valued and perceived than living breathing creations of God. How sad is it that we don't see God's gifts right in front of our eyes.

While thinking of God's greatness, I am thrusted by the strong forces of the wind. Even the massive elm, on the corner of the courtyard, seems to bow to our mighty Lord. I feel like even the trees have a great respect for life and the gifts from God.

Why is it that humans take nature for granted? Why do we see life on earth as harsh and not worth living? Life is not perfect, that is why this is earth and not heaven. But God does share little bits of heaven with us in the form of nature. The most horrid part is that we do not even notice it!

Some how when we are children we notice nature's glory. As a child, I always had my eyes open for a tree to climb or a puddle to splash. Nature is such a magical place for children. A place of innocence and purity. This is the bond that brings them both together.

I will often go back to places of my youth and see something completely different from what I remember. The funny thing is that although the actual array of creations have not changed, the feelings toward them have. Most things look smaller, insignificant, and less miraculous. I wish that I could look at the pond from a child's point-of-view. I am sure that I would find the scenery far more entertaining.

And then I take a moment and come to the conclusion that I am satisfied with the view I see in my present age. I see things in an enlightened experienced way. As I look at the three ponds, I start to ponder about what I all do I really see. I interpret the scene , appropriately, as a time line of innocence to worldliness in the stages of life. The first pond of water is a collection of pure fresh water, born from a natural spring. It pores into the next pond while gathering bacteria, dirt, and discoloration. Eventually the water flows into the third pond containing pollutants, muck, and spawned unknown inhabitance.