We have Choice to make

I miss the butterflies. How about you? I love watching them flit around with their elegant colors. Tell me God ain’t something! There are so many wonderful elements of Creation that we miss, and they are right there for us to care for and to enjoy! Unfortunately, there are so many species that we are losing all because of choices we have made. Yes, we made the choice to spray our lawns with pesticides because we don’t like what grows there. The pesticides are keeping the butterflies away because they are killing plants that attract the butterflies. Choices we make.

Joshua reminded the people of their blessings of life lived under the care of God. Then he urged that they make a very important decision, to follow God or the idols of their past. “I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and towns that you had not built, and you live in them; you eat the fruit of vineyards and olive yards that you did not plant. . . Choose this day whom you will serve . . . (Jos. 24:13,15 NRSV). Choices, we have choices. We are forced to make choices everyday that label us as believers and thus, keepers of Creation.

Creation is suffering from lack of safety and homelessness for many of its species; that is a given; however, many species have not only lost homes but they are in danger of losing their very existence. Animals, fishes, and birds that you know, and many you may not know are in grave danger. Surely we can all relate to at least one joy of Creation that is on the list: Elephants, Giant Panda, Polar Bear, Rhinos, Whales, Tigers, Dolphins, Penguins and Monarch Butterflies. Come on, I know you saw Happy Feet, didn’t you? And the butterflies – haven’t you wondered where they have gone? These are just a very small representation of the many species on the list of becoming endangered.

We celebrate May 15 as Endangered Species Day. What can you do celebrate? Glad you asked. Just being aware is no longer enough. You have more power than you think. I encourage you to exercise that power. Discuss the lost of valuable species with your family and friends. “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:10 NRSV). Please understand, all of Creation is important to God. And what else can you do? Remember the butterflies! Grow plants that will bring the butterflies. Read up on Monarch watch stations. And what else can you do? See, I told you, you have choices. Choose this day to do something constructive for Endangered Species Day. Let me know how it goes. For more information on Endangered Species Day, view my blog http://ecojustice.wordpress.com