I love this photograph for two reasons. For one, the beauty causes my spirit to go, “Ahhhhh.” Second, it tells me something about our value. Notice the dead tree sticking up out of the water . . . um, it’s hard not to notice, right? That tree was once vibrant with life. Had we known that tree back then, we may have admired its unique features and beauty. But alas, as is true of all living things, its life ended at some point.
But that tree left something behind—its beauty. The beauty has now taken another form, but nonetheless, it’s classified as beauty. Its graceful and random lines add aesthetic appeal to the totality of the scenery. The effect wouldn’t be quite the same without it. That tree—imperfect as it is—adds beauty to the world.
The same is true of each and every one of us.
We add something to the world when we are here, and we add something to the world when we leave.
Something would be missing had we never shown up.
What you have described here is exactly what I was feeling when I decided to point the camera at this tree. It was taken at the foothills of the Grand Teton Mountains. There was sheer beauty in every direction. But no other shot I took on that trip has elicited the same emotional response as this image… I think that is for the very reasons that you describe. Thank you.
I love knowing that I had the same experience you did! How warming.