Driveways

People with concrete or asphalt driveways don't have a clue what they are missing. I almost missed it myself, and I haven't had a paved driveway since moving to the island in 1991. It's a subtle process, though not as subtle as in prehistoric times. Still, it is exactly like we were told in our science and geography textbooks, and easily overlooked. I probably would not have noticed had I not been walking more lately.

Right there in our unpaved driveways, soil is being formed. It's like a little science experiment taking place over decades rather than the thousands of years it takes without intervention. All those rocks that were pulverized to make our driveway gravel have been victim to the usual forces of nature plus some manmade ones as well. In addition to wind, rain, and temperature changes, the gravel has been pounded by thousands of feet and hundreds of car, truck, motorcycle and bicycle tires.

Gradually the little pieces of rock have been fractured and ground against one another until becoming sand. As leaves and other organic matter mixed with the sand and various little critters "enriched" the process, soil has been forming right in front of our eyes. It's almost like time-lapse photography.

Of course I'm not implying that bags of potting soil are being produced in our driveways. Even with help, nature's process is a slow one. Still, it is interesting to witness firsthand the way the process works. Big, barren stones get broken up into small pebbles. Pebbles get crushed into sand. Sand gets enriched to become fertile soil. Then new life is able to spring forth from that fertile soil.

I wonder how we humans will end up after the storms and pressures of our lives transform us. With any luck and a little help from our families, friends, and community, we will also become able to sustain some "new life."

Have you experienced the storms and pressures of life?
How have they transformed you?
Is your life more fertile as a result?
What "new life" will you choose to support?

© 2006 David Bentley

David Bentley, M.Ed., is an avid observer of people, places and events. He uses his storytelling and questioning skills to help himself and others think outside the box in an ever-changing world.

Comments about his column can be sent to davidbentley@sanjuanislander.com.

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