It matters not whether we live in metropolitan areas or in woodlands, deserts, or prairies, nature is an integral and essential part of our lives.

We like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient, yet we could not survive without the air we breathe. Nor could we live long without sunlight, water, and food. Our bodies are totally dependent on nature.

God created and gave us nature not only to sustain us but also for our enjoyment. Nature is our playground. We can climb mountains or ski down their slopes. Surf or scuba dive. Hike in the forests or cycle through hills and prairies. We can immerse our hands in the earth to plant and harvest. Or take delight in birds and other wild animals. We might view mountains, oceans, glaciers, and islands from a tour bus or cruise ship. Or take pleasure from walking, sitting quietly in the shade, viewing a sunset, or looking at the stars.

All of this is good, yet nature has even more to offer us. If we but listen, nature speaks to us in bold terms about the power, immensity, creativity, majesty, and love of God, and about our relationship with our Creator.

At times, nature overwhelms us with its power. But nature’s power pales in comparison with that of God, which is far greater than an earthquake, volcano, hurricane, or even a tsunami. Yet God does not strike us down or control us. Instead God gives us a free will and shares His power with us, saying that, if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains.

The immensity of nature – from the universe of sun, moon, planets, and stars to the tiniest creatures beneath the sea and in the earth – pales in comparison with the immensity of God. Although it is impossible for our minds to fully grasp, God is greater than the universe. God came among us, taught us how to love, and then suffered and died to give us eternal life. And then God as Holy Spirit came to live with each of us intimately, taking up residence in our hearts and whispering in our ears.

The wide variety of plants and animals in nature reflects God’s playful creativity and scientific genius. The intricate workings of even the tiniest creature attest to this. Then God put all of this at our disposal.

We stand in awe of majestic mountains and glaciers without realizing how much greater God’s majesty is. Yet, like the father of the prodigal son, God bends His knee to lift us up – even when we are immersed in sin – and offers us forgiveness and welcomes us home.

What can our response be to God’s compassionate love, forgiveness, and overwhelming generosity? The answer is simple: love. We are called to love not only God and one another, but also all things within nature. Out of that love grows an awareness and desire to take care of nature by preserving, protecting, and partaking of it justly.

God, open my eyes to the wonders of nature, increase my love for all that nature gives me, guide me in my use of these gifts, and give me the strength and courage to speak out on issues that threaten to compromise and destroy plants and animals, the earth itself, and the air we breathe.
Amen.