Isaiah 42:5-6
Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations...
God is present in the world - though we often see HIS Spirit at work in creation because we get so caught up in ignoring the glorious beauty and symphonies that resound as a heavenly choir in what we deem ordinary spaces of daily life.
Driving through Kansas I found many comment on how boring that leg of the drive west to Colorado and beyond is because it is so flat - 'all you see are wide open spaces and rows of corn and wheat.' I am a strange travel who has always latched onto the beauty in even one small patch of grass in the middle of a dilapidated city park - beauty is often extraordinary in the light of its essential yet ordinary work in the world.
Where would we be in creation without the flat open spaces of the world's farmlands, or the rice steppes and swamps that yield so much grain - seeds that transform hunger into hope. There is a reason the Midwest is called the 'Heartland' - it is the heartland because as flat and open as the vast sea of prairie seas to be - lost and lonely - we need such seemingly 'plain' and 'ordinary' spaces - the land is perfect for farming - the land is a gift of hope and constant renewal as year after year in the midst of drought and pest - food comes from this heartland.
In my home state of NC it saddens me that our state is not investing in our agriculture and is working to turn many of our open spaces into never ending traffic suburban territories - much of the land - so fertile and gracious - ideal for farming and feeding America and the Old North State with a beauty and unassuming charm has been gobbled up by seedy development and unsustainable growth - built on a quick dollar reward versus the long term abundance for the land and its people.
My hometown of Raleigh used to be a beacon for city parks - our Greenway one of the best in the region, but my local city park has been left overgrown with no funds and neighborhood support to clean up the park and maintain the playground and in THE CITY OF OAKS trees are being cut down left and right and sprawl and traffic has left the city lost in traffic.
It is easy to forget the blessings of the seemingly ordinary - the natural spaces, the trees, creeks and wild wide land, the grass and flowers. We take them for granted because they are such a part of our lives...our environment is being threatened and this not only hurts quality of life it is a sin (in the Anglican and Catholic Churches) against God our Creator who wanted humanity to delight in HIS creation and protect it - being stewards of its resources - not parasites sucking the land dry. This is a harsh thing to deal with, but something in our me-me-me materialistic society we must come to grips with.
Earth Day is remembering God's Creation and how it reflects the bounty and love HE gives us every day. If we neglect the earth we not only neglect our own survival - but we neglect God's loving spirit and the LIFE through Christ.
Respecting the earth doesn't necessarily mean you give us all the modern conveniences of life, but rather you make responsible choices for the environment in honor of our CREATOR-GOD.
This can be as simple as:
1) Water conservation - limit showers to five minutes every other day, use appliances with energy efficient ratings, be conscious of when you water your lawn (did it rain recently - are you in a drought - ask a local gardening expert about the best methods of water use for your lawn); Get a water filter and use tap - I say this with some hesitation because I'm allergic to fluoride - but I still prefer tap water - Nestle and other big brands are misusing the water supply from numerous reserves for bottling of water - there is a place for bottled water - but turn on your tap when you are thirsty instead of using a Nestle water bottle and you'll help keep the world hydrated
2) Waste: It drives me crazy that we throw out so many plastic bags and Styrofoam cups - when there are better alternatives. When you shop use a recyclable bag (a eco-bag is available for purchase at most stores); bring a re-usable cup to your favorite restaurant or coffee spot - so if they use styrofoam you can use your cup instead.
3) Recycle - you can recycle a lot of items in your city recycling bin (look for numbers - the PET number system shows how readily your plastic can be recycled - PET 1-3 are easy to recycle...for harder to recycle
4) Use energy efficient bulbs
5) Unplug appliances such as your TV and computer when not in use - to save on electricity and help the environment.
6) Walk or take the bus, Carpool; When I lived in Montana I did not have a car for four years - I walked to the grocery store, church, the gym and took the bus for other errands and you know what I LOVED IT - saved money and got exercise. In Raleigh I have to own a car for work but I still walk to the pharmacy and restaurants in my neighborhood and limit my in town driving - it saves me $$$ and also helps the environment.
7) Volunteer to clean up a community park: Plant a tree, clean up a trail, go on a community hike, host a GREEN picnic - this builds community and helps keep city parks clean and improves the air and quality of life in a city/town
8) Start a bee and/or rain garden. I do not have a green thumb - but many of these projects are easier than you think to ignite - and many communities just need volunteers to help plan gardens - a rain garden is ideal for urban settings.
9) Be conscious of what you BUY - BUY ORGANIC - while pesticides and fertilizers have their place, many harm the environment and our foods - it is so important to research the products you buy to ensure they are produced in a sustainable way - luckily most grocery stores have Organic options including Kroger, Harris Teeter and Safeway. The prices are not expensive for many items and the price increase is worth your health and the health of the environment. I learned during my sojourn in Montana from area ranchers the real life issues with running and ranch and why grass fed is better for your health and the environment.
These are just a few tips - but you'll find when you live GREEN - YOU are POSITIVE and able to have simple and everlasting JOY with Christ - it puts things into perspective and you see beauty and have empathy for all life. It is a wonderful gift and every day on earth is a GIFT.
Prayer:
God, we praise your for the glory of your Creation - in every leaf and every raindrop hitting the sun on a rainbow's edge we remember your marvelous works. In the order of day and night, storms and radiant heat - winter's life giving waters and the reaping harvest of spring, summer and fall we remember life and restoration and the balance of giving and receiving. Strengthen us to be stewards of your creation - empowered by the care of Abel who tilled the land and gave you the first fruits. May we think of others not our selfish needs and the greed of consumption but giving food of the earth to those in need and not wasting away the precious resources you gave us. Help guide us and help heal the earth. Where there is famine bring your tears of joy to sustain the land, where the floods overwhelm remember your promise to Noah, where pestilence and fire devour - strike a resiliency in the land and awareness of storing up as Joseph did in your instruction for the famines of life. Help us and sustain all of your creation, through your power and glory, the resurrection and truth and light of all creation - may we remember your glory. In the simple blade of grass to the towering Rockies may we be humbled by your love and work in the world with peace and stewardship of your land.
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