The Handiwork-What Is Behind It?- Conclusion of Learning From His Handiwork

In our body cells and in those of animals, phosphorus is vital for transferring energy. From where do we get our phosphorus?  Again, from plants.  They absorb inorganic phosphates from the soil and convert them into organic phosphates. We consume plants containing phosphorus in these forms and use it for vital activities.  Thereafter, the phosphorus returns to the soil in the form of body "wastes" that can again be absorbed by plants.

We also need nitrogen, which is part of every protein and DNA molecule in  our body. How do we obtain this element that is so essential  for life?  Although about 798 percent of the air around us is nitrogen, neither plants  nor animals can absorb it directly.  So nitrogen in the air must be converted into other forms before it can be taken in by plants and later utilized by humans and animals. How does that conversion, or fixation, occur?  In various ways.  One way is by the action of lightning.  Nitrogen fixation is also accomplished by bacteria that live in nodules on the roots of legumes, such as peas, soybeans, and alfalfa.  These bacteria convert atmospheric  nitrogen into substances that plants  can use.  In this way, when you eat green vegetable, you take in nitrogen, which your body needs  in order to product proteins. Amazingly, we find species of legumes in tropical rain forests, deserts, and even tundras. And if an area is burned over, legumes usually are the first plants to recolonize.

What marvelous recycling systems these are!  Each of them puts  to good use wastes from the other cycles.  The energy needed comes principally from our sun-a clean, endless, and sources. How that contrasts with human efforts to recycle resources!  Even man-made products that are called environmentally friendly may not contribute to a cleaner planet because of the complexity of human recycling  systems.  In this regard, U.S. News & World Report pointed out that products should be designed so that their high value components can easily be recovered  by recycling.  Is that not what we observe in these natural cycles?  So, what does this reveal about the Creator's forethought and wisdom?

Next time: The Handiwork-What Is Behind It? - Impartial and Just

From the book Is There a Creator That Cares About You?