Stewards of creation

We are in the midst of Creation season, a short church season that runs from September 1 through St Francis Day, October 4. Creation season is an ecumenical observance, with prayer and action for healing and restoration of the environment. Genesis tells the story of our creation and role as stewards of the earth, something we have not always honored in our industrial age. Earlier this summer I met someone who lives in a house that dates to 1695, outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I asked him about the story of the house, and he told me of pages of history from the town historian, names of early owners that relate to the Salem witch trials, additions and renovations that have happened over the centuries. He and his wife are in the midst of renovating the house further, but, he said, they were doing it cautiously, trying to stay within the history of the house. "We're stewards of this house," he said. "It's a gift to live in it, and we want to pass it along better than we found it." 

As a new homeowner, I love this idea. Our 1977 stucco doesn't have the history his house does. But it does have stories; whatever changes we make to it will add our stories too. I like the thought that we are stewarding it for those who come next. 

These six weeks give us an opportunity to pray and sing gorgeous texts that extol the beauty of this world. But it is also a chance to think about our role as stewards of this good earth. Can we leave it better than we found it? What faithful step can you take this week to care for God's creation?