Divine Beauty

Isn't it interesting how a total stranger breaks conventional silence with cordial salutation while hiking on a trail? The same person passing you on the sidewalk or at the supermarket, or even sitting near you in church, would scarcely make eye contact, much less acknowledge your presence verbally. Something about this location catalyzes coming out of the shell of social expectations. Strangers are similarly social when they witness any extraordinary occurrence together. Perhaps the mutual awe inspired by dramatic beauty stimulates social interaction. Whenever I've seen something breathtaking, my greatest wish is to share it with someone. Even if I travel with people, I want to share it with more people. Surely this emotion is not unrelated. In the absence of my friends, some or all, I express appreciation for my surroundings to the nearest person with a smile and a hello. I believe this is what God intended when he made the mountains known today as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.