Why Study Geography?

     Bright leaves sparkle in the sun as I wander aimlessly through the trees. An orange butterfly passes my ear and I consider following it. I can go anywhere I want to go; the world is wide open with possibilities. That’s why geography matters to me. I want to discover all that there is to know about the earth and explore everything out there.

     First, I want to learn about where I am in the world and why that matters. There’s something special in everyone’s hometown. I live in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. When I go to the beach, I am swimming in the eleventh largest lake in the world, which touches three other states: New York, Ohio, and Michigan. How different is the same lake from one of those places? I want to know how things here compare and contrast with the rest of the country and even the world. That way I can really appreciate what I have and know what else is out there.

     Second, I’ll need basic knowledge of geography to plan for my future. I’m going to travel the world with my friends when we’re older, and it will be helpful to learn all I can first. I read the quote by Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and I think that step is to get ready. I can’t exactly pack up and fly to France this second, but I will someday. Right now all I can do is prepare. The more I know about the world, the better equipped I’ll be to enjoy it. Abraham Verghese says, “I’m a great believer in geography being destiny.”

     Lastly, I want to make the most of everything around me. God created this entire world, the very least I can do is hear about what’s out there. God describes His followers as, “The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise,” in Isaiah 43:21. What better way to proclaim His praise than to appreciate His amazing works? God must be honored when we marvel at His creation, the same way I like it when someone compliments one of my paintings.

     I didn’t have much of a choice about studying geography this year, but I’m happy to get the opportunity. I can’t wait to see what I can learn. This is about God’s breathtaking world, after all. “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”--Psalm 24:1-2.

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