I recently returned from a trip to Bermuda with my wife for our 25th wedding anniversary. We had the opportunity to SNUBA dive (a combination of snorkeling and SCUBA diving where the tank is on the surface instead of your back).Several things occurred to me. The first was that I was awe struck at the sheer beauty of the coral reef and the life that surrounds it. I was reminded of what wonders God has created in every corner of the earth, many of which we have to seek out to enjoy.
We were also reminded of the fragile nature of the reef and how we had to be careful not to damage the coral. We were also told how global warming was DEFINITELY having a negative effect on the reef system. The earth operates on a symbiotic system. What we do has ripple effects on everything else. It was a dual lesson. The beauty that God has created and how man, in may respects has carelessly damaged those things.
We must be more cognizant of what we do and how it affects the environment.
From the Book of Common Prayer:
For Knowledge of God's Creation
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
| | |
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
