A Disappointing Year
2017 will not be remembered as a great year for environmental causes, at least not here in America. Many laws that protect our land, water and air were weakened. Laws protecting wildlife were also made less binding. Responding to Global Warming ceased to be a concern of our government. Lands that had been set aside as wilderness or parklands were taken back. All of these actions, and others that could be noted, have caused me to become quite discouraged. As someone who believes we have a divine mandate to care for the earth and its resources, I find it hard to accept what all has happened in the past year. I can’t help but believe that God is disappointed as well.
I am frustrated by our government’s attack on the environment but I am not ready to throw in the towel. There are signs of hope. Perhaps one of the greatest signs of hope is that other nations are refusing to follow our lead. Even in our own country there are many local leaders who are resisting the anti-environment movement. I also happen to believe that there are lots and lots of ordinary citizens who still care about the health of the earth. And, yes, I want to believe that there are plenty of Christians who continue to affirm that Creation Care is a moral obligation. Governments can change laws but they cannot necessarily change people. Ordinary folks have great power. I love Margaret Mead’s quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
I suspect many of you will be making New Year resolutions as the New Year is ushered in later this evening. I hope that you will resolve to continue to make Creation Care a priority in the year to come. Resolve to let your legislators know this is important to you. Resolve to do the simple things you can do in your own home and workplace to make a difference. Resolve to support organizations that fight for the environment. Resolve to enjoy God’s Creation to its fullest and to learn the lessons God has to teach through it. Resolve to be a steward of God’s good earth.
Here’s to hoping that 2018 will be a better year.
–Chuck
(I took the pictures shown above on a recent trip to New Mexico.)