In all my years as a believer in Jesus, it never occurred to me to give an offering to God through nature. In fact, the church we left mocked people who gave offerings to save whales, owls, or to assist with the local park clean up. These were viewed as a waste of time to them. Yet, I found in the book of Genesis, in the very beginning, that God told Adam to take care of the animals. God’s creation is so beautiful, I can’t imagine abusing it or neglecting it. When I began to see this earth as a vast garden that shows his glory, my mind began a renewing.
I was reminded that Jesus had said that when we feed the poor, we are feeding him. When we neglect the prisoners, we’re neglecting him. Even king David saw God’s glory in his creation. Could it be that when we litter the earth with garbage, that we’re littering his very own backyard? Is it possible that when we till the earth and plants seeds, that we’re partaking in the process of creation? If we need to take a tree, can we plant a new one?
Just how important is it to us to take care of this world he has put us on? Maybe we can learn to respect it, because I really think all His creation is worth every minute we put into it. These were just a few thoughts I had as I sat under the pine trees of my mom’s mountain estate in Placerville, California. It may not mean much to some, but placing an offering out for God’s creatures…just might be ‘doing so unto Jesus’. Could it be so simple? As simple as cuffed pants on a child’s new pants…that are a bit too long? Serving God through nature, or by serving children with loving hands?
And so with this.. I am pondering deeply…gratitude. This spiritual practice that Ann Voskamp inspires us to participate in…I shall begin..with the simple things.
#1 Earth {Genesis 1:1}
#2 Acorns
#3 Apples
#4 Figs for the deer
#5 Cuffed pants
It is with thanks, that I give. Because gratitude is richer when we give.
Will you join us in giving thanks?
