Nature and Happiness - A Lesson from Golden Daffodils

# A Daffodil's Gift

The poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," also titled "The Daffodils," was written by the poet William Wordsworth. It is one of his most famous works. Here are six lines from the opening stanza of the poem:

"I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

In the poem, the author has used personification, comparing himself to a natural object—a cloud. The golden daffodil flowers are continuously personified as human beings, "fluttering and dancing in the breeze"—these actions imply an inherent unity between humanity and nature.

The poet wrote this poem to celebrate the beauty of daffodils dancing in the sunshine on the hillside; and it is the beauty of nature itself, of the golden daffodils, that moves people, that moves the poet himself to harmonize with nature and become joyful and happy. Therefore, the golden daffodils are regarded as symbols of happiness.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician who is considered one of the greatest figures in the history of medicine, from the island of Kos, once said, "Nature itself is the best physician." This saying means that nature, including everything within it, can help people resist suffering and illness. With this understanding, we must praise God and honor His wondrous wisdom, because God has created the natural world for people to live in peace and contentment. We must also thank God because He always cares for us, loves us, and considers our needs!

Each day, we need to step outside into our gardens, look around at the natural scenery, the flowers, the trees, gaze up at the blue sky and white clouds drifting silently above, listen to the birds singing and calling to one another, hear the gentle rustling of leaves conversing together, the meows of stray cats searching for food, the buzzing and chirping of insects here and there,... All these things and movements around us uplift our spirits, because they are the life and presence of God, through which we know that, "There truly exists the presence of God Almighty—the Creator, who is near us, and with God's protection, what have we to fear?" King David praised God, for He is the One who kept him through all the changes of life in Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever").

God's Word tells us that God is faithful, always with us, and protects us from all the troubles of life! We must praise God because He created nature full of all good things for us! We praise the Almighty God; there is no one like Him. He is the One whom all people must fear and worship! We pray that the faithful God will help us open our eyes and hearts to see His beautiful and precious nature, and to admire the joyful and happy scenery, so that our spirits may be encouraged and we will faithfully follow Him, live with joy, and share the Gospel with all those around us! Amen!

Magnificent nature, from God's hand, Created for us each new day, With happiness and joy so grand, No fear when God won't fade away! Golden daffodils, renewing light, Forests, mountains, blooms on earth, Truly worthy praise and thanks so bright, The Father's glory, boundless worth!

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