Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and it is an occasion for celebration; we are blessed with this awesome planet earth! On this day, we plant seeds of hope in our hearts for better days ahead. Now, more than ever, we appreciate how the earth sustains us body and soul; God created the earth for us to enjoy, both for our physical and spiritual beings.
From the air we breathe, to the food we eat, a delicate balance nourishes our bodies. Our souls crave the beauty nature delivers to us. Each sunrise, each sunset, is an inspired message from God telling us over and over again that life is indeed, ‘good.’
God’s imprint of goodness is everywhere in the world. The mountains are His work of art. The ocean thunders with His power. Each little bird that sings praises His name.
It is odd looking back at the photos of Earth Day in 1970. Twenty million Americans took to the streets, many of them wearing masks. It is an almost uncanny similarity to Earth day today. The only difference of course, is that the people wore masks then because of pollution; today, it is not the quality of the air, but the risk of infection from a deadly virus that has people donning face covers.
Good things happened because of those protests years ago. The world is a better place, and much less polluted than it would have been otherwise. The government did respond to the public’s cry to save the earth. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed. Congress passed the Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Without these measures, who knows what our planet would be like now, all these many years later.
Fifty years ago today, I was in the sixth grade. We did a number of projects for Earth Day. What I remember most was all of us sixth graders out picking up litter as one of our assignments. It shocked me how many people seemed to care so little in terms of their own trash. We had plenty of garbage to pick up and it struck me as very sad.
Looking back, after all these years, I still remember how I felt as we kids did our part to ‘clean up’ the environment. It left a deep impression on me. I understood that the individual actions of each and every person on the earth makes a difference.
The truth is, we all do make a difference. Our time on the earth is a gift from God. Each and every day is a blessing from above. The times may not be perfect, but life is a gift all the same. It is a gift we should not squander, because waste of any kind is a travesty with consequences.
We must choose each and every day to celebrate all that God has given us. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we must choose to look for the good around us…and within us. It is there in a sparkling quality, like an effervescent tonic within our reach.
As I write this, there is owl in our back woods hooting. There are several owls back there and I am enchanted with them. Sometimes, just before I fall asleep at night, it is the last thing I hear…the owls conversing in the night. It gives me a great peace, as if all were well in the world.
Perhaps, even now, much is well in the world. Despite this tragic plague that has come upon us, life is very good. God is with us in this hour; His imprint is upon our hearts that we are safe in His care. Sunrise or sunset, the earth is our home for the time being, and we are the stewards of this great planet. We must be the best stewards that we can be…we must keep planting seeds of hope, seeds that will prosper with God’s everlasting mercy and love.
Stewards, we are, Linda. Fifty years ago I was in 4th grade. I remember well the science fair with all things ecological. Litter was a big subject matter, and throughout the 70’s. I do believe there was a change for the better. And, I would love hearing the owls chatter at night. You are blessed. God’s grip – Alan
The owls are a very happy thing! 🙂 Looking back, the years have passed by quickly. There is so much good in those years which is inspiring for the days at hand.
what lovely memories, thanks for sharing!
It does not seem like fifty years ago! 🙂 Yes, good memories Kate!
wow doesn’t time fly!
Time does fly, and so all the moments count. The measure of our days is really the measure of how we spent those moments, the passage of a lifetime in incremental steps. When we are young, I do not think we are aware of how fleeting those hours are. Perhaps, that is for the best! 🙂 🙂 🙂
well said Linda, you have very insightful wisdom 🙂
:):) 🙂
I was in the ninth grade on the first Earth Day. The high school loaded all of us kids onto buses and drove us out into the country to pick up trash. We were so proud to be able to do our part.
It’s funny how the whole event came back to me like it was yesterday; like you, I felt happy I could do so something to help. Sometimes, we just want so much to make a difference…we feel like a problem is too big, and out of our reach. Yet, even the little things, the small steps add up when it comes to facing a mountain looming before us. With faith, with perseverance, with one foot in front of the other, change happens. It is a good thing to think about now in the midst of our present situation.
Yes, it is. We come to learn in maturity that tending to our own little corner of the world can make a big difference.
So true!
So well said! And yes, each day is a gift and the earth is a gift, and we need to value all of God’s gifts to us. Some days are better than others, but everyday has some good in it. Acknowledging that is good for our spirits….
You are so right Ann…gratitude makes all the difference! 🙂