Season of Creation

            We are currently in the Season of Creation; a delightful (and recently designated) time in the liturgical calendar when we are invited to be especially mindful of God's great creation around us. This is easy when we're observing a stunning sunset or listening to the waves on the beach; less so when we're sitting out a hurricane or feeling that annoying bite of a mosquito.

            In the past few weeks, I've entered many conversations where people have admitted feeling disconnected or out of touch, where they have sensed a general malaise within. They are feeling untethered. I suggest that this is (at least partly) as we have disconnected ourselves from the natural world around us; the creation into which God loved us into being.

            Society tries to provide solutions, meditation classes and spiritual workshops. While I am not opposed to whatever feeds the soul, I believe the solution can be much easier (and less costly!)

            When we are feeling at odds with the world around us, it is time to intentionally re-engage: to be awed by God's creation. Grounding ourselves within creation can be as long-term as we like; we don't all have to go mountain climbing or trekking through rainforests (though those both sound ideal to me!) It can be an act as simple as taking a moment to acknowledge the leaves changing colour in your neighbourhood, or listening to the birdsong in the morning. It can be deeply breathing the scent of the earth after a rainfall, or pausing as you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. God's creation is all around, and always inviting us into awestruck wonder, praise, and thanksgiving.

            Psalm 24 reminds us that the Earth is the Lord's - and all that is in it. This includes US. We are made as a part of the creation, an integral and integrated part; this season of creation encourages us to prayerfully remember where we belong.