On Earth Day

I think that celebrating Earth Day is fantastic. It's like honoring the work of a great artist. Whether or not we have a relationship with an artist when we step into a gallery and take in the breath-taking creativity we gain, in some way, a deeper appreciation and connection to the artist. Romans 1 reminds us that the creation itself reveals to the world the hands of an artist whose powerful and divine brushstrokes have left their marks everywhere.

Earth Day encourages us to honor the earth. . .and I believe we should honor it, but not as an end to itself. As we gaze upon the created splender it resonates honor and glory. But, it speaks not of itself. No, it simply reflects all honor and glory back to the one whom the honor and glory is really due. Indeed, the creation points to something much larger than itself.

Below is one of my favorite poems that I learned as a youth. I'm trying to have my boys memorize it.



Maker of Heaven and Earth (All Things Bright and Beautiful)


All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures, great and small
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings;

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water
We gather every day,

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well

Cecil Francis Alexander 1818 - 1895