Last Monday was Earth Day, and there have been Earth Week events of all kinds taking place every day. I remember my son was in elementary school at the time Earth Day was initiated, and how thoroughly he enjoyed the activities focusing on the natural environment. I thought it was a great idea to get the children out of their classrooms (especially on a spring day, after a cooped-up winter) and learn by experiencing natural science in a hands-on fashion. It seemed to me that children could probably learn a great deal in a few hours of watching, touching, hearing, smelling, and being in an outdoor classroom. I also thought Earth Day was to get these youngsters started on learning about their natural environment, but more in terms of how conservation practices worked, how wildlife of all kinds lived, and caring for the environment, all of which are very admirable goals.
Fast-forward about 40 years and listen to what we read and hear during this Earth Week, and we hear great concerns for our planet, our climate, and all matters relating to the environment. So much has changed, as we attempt to understand and work toward solutions that will have a positive impact on the earth. It’s overwhelming, and in many ways we all carry some of the responsibility for the damage.
Throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms, God is thanked and praised as the creator who has made this beautiful world, the glory of a starry night sky, the mountains, the plains, and all growing things. As we continue to work toward caring for the amazing gift of our planet, we can make it an act of faith, a part of worship, showing our gratitude for this gift and doing our part to care for it.
Your Friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers