Turbo smaragdus -
The curious and quirky name for an equally curious and quirky species of snail I studied in New Zealand.
It’s also the name of the creature from which a ring of mine is made; a smooth cream gem of carbonate laid in silver with a hint of green swirling in its center.
This green swirl, also called a koru, is symbolic throughout the South Pacific of the simple ideal of harmony, of living in peace and unity. Originally noticed by the Maori in the unfurling fronds of a young fern, this symbol is pervasive through all of nature – laid subtly within the curl of a conch shell, kinetic in the eddy of a stream, or cloaked pensively in the coil of a millipede.
As one who started her investigation of science and the environment on the basis of pure curiosity, I am pleased to say I have found much more than an appeased appetite for knowledge through my inquiries. It has indeed become an intimate and important part of my amble though a life desiring unity with our Creator. I see more of Him in nature every day.
The example of this koru, this emblem of shalom, is but a small example of the reflection creation bears on our God. The infinite complexities of the ecological relationships found in a seemingly simple streambed or the molecular workings of a single algal cell are both testimonies to the incomprehensible greatness of our God. What perfect relationship must be found in the Triune to be able to reflect such harmonic intricacies in nature!
And so I join the mantras of David, Saint Francis, the current Aaron Weiss and subsequent lovers alike –
“What a beautiful God there must be!”
