Soon we will all be gathering around our holiday tables offering prayers of thanksgiving for our loved ones, the food which nourishes our bodies, and the time we share together. Turning to the cross, we lift thanks as well for God's faithfulness, mercy, and love. This is a good time to take inspiration from Psalm 145, "I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty and all your marvelous works."

As caretakers of God's earth, we think about this truly awesome creation that He has made and joyfully accept our role in sustaining it - nurturing those in need, feeding bodies as well as souls, and striving to safeguard the rich earth, fresh air, and crystal waters.

Of Lungs and Hearts

We don't have to search far to find evidence of God's glory. Every breath we take is the result of countless miracles of chemistry and physics. His great design allows us, without a single conscious thought, to fuel every living cell in our body with the air that we breathe.

It warms our hearts spiritually as well as physically that this most basic of needs has been met by our heavenly Father with loving detail. We stand in amazement that He fashioned billions of such marvels in the universe, from the wonder of each atom to the miracle of life itself.

Reverent Response

It is with humble hearts that we turn to God as happy and dedicated stewards, ready to care as best we can for His earth and its inhabitants. We reverently accept responsibility and pray to gain deeper understanding of our role.

In this light, we take the time to learn how important Smart Growth concepts are to our city planning and look for opportunities to apply them. We study the wide variety of alternative fuel and energy options and see how we can best support their development and integration into our livelihoods. We initiate and support sustainable business practices, encouraging resource conservation and zero waste principles.

We work to include earthly stewardship in the life of our church, and Creation Care teams become integral parts of every congregation. More than just a cost-saving measure, energy conservation aptly becomes an extension of our commitment to serving the Lord.

Step by Step

It can be either scary or reassuring to realize that the individual choices we make each day can and do make a difference to His creation. Every small step we take joins with those of our brothers and sisters in our neighborhoods and around the world. Let's step with purpose and turn our holiday celebration into a celebration of His creation as well.

We can set the thermostat back and draw comfort in subscribing to the power company's Green Power option. We can carpool to our feast, set the table with reusable plates and napkins, and fill the table and our bodies with organic foods. And as we say our Thanksgiving Blessing, we can thank our generous Father for every breath we take and dedicate each one to His service.

Step by step our journey continues for His exquisite Creation.

Vicki Coulter is a volunteer with The Climate Project and gives Environmental Stewardship presentations in Middle Georgia.