storm in the 't Roegwold with the billet patch in the background

by Hans Hut

In the middle of the boardwalk in the Roegwold, I stood still, overwhelmed by the landscape. A storm had just arrived, but had yet to show its full force. Threatening clouds packed together, as if they wanted to join the spectacle. It is fascinating how the weather always tells a story.

The water rippled against the edge of a small island, where a beautiful wooden bench stood invitingly. But this was no time to sit quietly. The wind tugged at everything, and you had to hold on tightly to avoid being blown over. Water splashed up and wet you within seconds if you remained standing - especially with a big camera in hand. Still, I was able to capture this April storm power.

The photo I took shows something that photography can really hardly capture: a feeling. The clouds, the water, the balance between them - together they tell a story of strength and futility. It reminds us how small we are compared to nature. And if you look further, also with the universe. Even a microbe would be too big a comparison for our place in the bigger picture.

This experience automatically evokes gratitude, if you stop to think about it. Enjoying nature is never a given; it is a gift. My photo not only tells you what I saw, but also what I felt. It invites you to take that lesson of humility and admiration into your life. And yes, that makes it a beautiful lesson, don't you think?