What is your favorite thing about Earth?

Recently I saw this movie called "Space Between Us". It's about a teenage boy, Gardner Elliot, played by Asa Butterfield, who is born on Mars and later travels to Earth. There was one question that Gardner asks in the movie that stayed with me even after watching. It is after he comes to Earth, he goes about asking, "What is your favorite thing about Earth?" to other characters. This made me wonder what was my favorite thing about Earth. Virtual worlds of games and books aside I really started to give a thought.

The first thing that came to my mind was rain. Yes, the rain in the middle of the summer or the rain that comes with a storm! There is something simple and elegant about water falling from the sky in drops. The chill in the air, the feel of the rain on my face, I get goosebumps thinking about it.

Ooo and then nature! There is nothing more relaxing than a walk or cycling through the path lined by trees with birds chirping in the branches. Breathing that fresh air is exhilarating.

Then, there are sunsets, when the sun just meets the horizon. The sky looks like painting come to life and each and every day is unique. I look forward to that time of the day.

Finally, I think about things I never experienced. Snow comes to mind. I can't believe I have lived so long without actually seeing snow. I am sure it is taken for granted for how common it is in certain places. But for one who has never had the chance, it is strange to say as one of my favorite things about Earth.

My favorite thing about Earth,
the sound of rain
pitter-patter on my windowsill,
the smell of trees
in the forest, by the roads,
the wide-winged birds
flying through the glades,
the animals and insects
living life to the fullest.

My favorite thing about Earth,
the air around me
that I breathe in everyday,
the water that I drink
from the river down the lane,
the sun that bathes me
with it's warm soothing rays,
the bright, full moon
looking down from a starry sky.

My favorite thing about Earth,
of things I haven't seen,
snow as it falls,
or autumn in it's prime,
when leaves red fall of trees,
or cherry blossoms blooming,
the air filled with pink,
or mountains giant in form,
dwarfing you in comparison.

My favorite thing about Earth
my family that
loves me,
the fact that I am alive
to enjoy every moment
and every breathe.

It is difficult to think about this and not realize about having taken many things for granted. There is so much I can do and yet so much I haven't done. Getting comfortable is easy and makes you just want to settle for what is, now work towards what can be.

I hope to change that in the future. In these troubled times, I have come to appreciate the freedom that we previously had even more. Someday when all of this settles, I will strive to be better and make use of every opportunity to explore and enjoy the little things.