We’ve all sensed the holiness of Creation in one way or another. The comfort of a babbling brook flowing over stones. The beauty of a spider’s web glistening with morning dew. The majesty of a grand building catching light and casting shadows. The nourishment of a carrot just pulled from the earth. The power of wind racing across tundra. The inspiration of a poet. The rhythm of ocean swell. The love of friends.
I could go on all day.
Through Creation, God expresses and reveals himself to everyone, everywhere, every moment of every day. We might not always pause to fully experience God in Creation, but he is ever-present. The smell of summertime crowberry bushes mixed with salt sea air is the Creator’s way of saying that he is with me. The peace of still woods in winter is the Creator’s way of reminding me of the importance of Sabbath. The sight (and smell) of a working farm assures me that the Creator will provide. Indeed, Creation is God’s loving gift that keeps on giving, not just for you and me, but for everything in it.
And we are part of it. Humankind created by the Creator. An integral part of Creation. Just like stars and moons, sea and sky, eagle and moose, cod and seal, and fern and fungus. Inseparable. Kin.
But nobody is perfect. We sometimes allow ourselves to get separated from Creation and the Creator, failing to live in harmony with Creation as stewards. We treat Creation as if it is ours, exploiting it. Bulldozing forests, flooding river valleys, polluting skies, and filling oceans with garbage—usually unjustly, at the expense of “others” who are “elsewhere”. Acting with little to no thought of sustaining and renewing the life of the earth for all the generations to come. Some of this is the product of our governments, institutions, and economies. Some of this is the product of our technologies. Some of this is the product of our day-to-day choices.
Fortunately, we have forgiveness and absolution through Jesus, who once walked among us. And, by the grace of God, we will learn to live in better harmony with Creation, honouring the Creator in the process. Sometimes we will get this right, and we should celebrate that. Other times we will get it wrong, and we should learn from that. On a day-to-day basis, there isn’t a “best” way or a single “right” way to live in harmony with Creation. But, if we are guided by the commandments to love the Creator with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbours as ourselves, that will set us on a good path.
As the somewhat newly-appointed Canon for Creation Care & Stewardship for the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, I hope to connect with you all from time to time through Anglican Life. Some articles will highlight environmental issues. Others will offer tips and strategies for living in good relationship with the rest of Creation, or highlight examples of great practices from around the province—there are many wonderful things happening. Or, if the Holy Spirit moves me, you might get a reflective piece like this one. In the meantime, if you would like to continue exploring your relationship with Creation, I encourage you to check out the work of the Diocesan Creation Care & Stewardship Team online at: https://anglicanenl.net/creation-care-stewardship/
