Insignificant

    Some people look at things in the world and think “that’s so insignificant!”  Others are able to see that within all things there are great potentials that we have perhaps been overlooking.  Sadly some people look at themselves and feel that they are the insignificant thing and even “talk down” to themselves when it comes to their own personal worth within society.

    I recall the 1898 publication of H.G. Well’s “War of the Worlds” science fiction novel concerning a Martian attack on London.  Many of you will have not read the book, but only seen the movies adaptations of it.  The 1953 Byron Haskin directed adaptation of the novel starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson.  Haskin’s adaptation influenced future science fiction films, including Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds (2005), which starred Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning and featured narration by Morgan Freeman.

     Although Wells made a brief mention in his epilogue as follows: “At any rate, in all the bodies of the Martians that were examined after the war, no bacteria except those already known as terrestrial species were found.”   More specifically in the 2005 adaptation the conclusion was made that although mankind was unable with all its scientific and military advances to stop the Martian invasion, the lowly (insignificant) bacteria upon the Earth was downfall to the invasion.

     That which seemed to be of very little importance when this monumental attack was taking place was the needed prevention from the annihilation of mankind.  These small, microscopic creatures had been able to accomplish what the “intelligence” of mankind had been unable to do!

     One current creature that is not very often considered as important is the earthworm.  There are more than 180 earthworm species found in the United States with thousands of species worldwide.  Most people have very little use for this lowly creature.  However, there are many facts about this creature that make it simply amazing!  Just to mention a few:

     The earthworm’s digestive system is a tube running straight from the mouth, located at the tip of the front end of the body, to the rear of the body, where digested material is passed to the outside.  Species vary in what they eat, but by and large their devouring of fallen leaves and/or soil allows the worms to move nutrients such as potassium and nitrogen into the soil.

     Also, worm movements within the Earth create burrows that encourage the passage of air and a loosening of the soil.  Yes, these “insignificant” creatures can be a farmer’s best friend.  Their behavior can naturally improve the quality of crops.

     Yes, there are some bad effects caused by earthworms in some locations, but for the most these creatures are very beneficial.

     We may view ourselves are lowly and “insignificant,” but upon a closer examination we may be surprised at the great amount of beneficial actions we may be able to provide, not only to our lives, but to the lives of others.

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"That which appears insignificant may 

in fact be that which is most important!"