Dear Blessed Earth friends and family,

I wanted to wish you a happy Fourth of July and share some reflections about how fireworks can open us up to the joy and wonder of creation.

 

When you first look up into the sky on the evening of July 4, you will likely just see darkness. Then, all of a sudden, an explosion will shake the air around you and the sky will come alive in a burst of light.  Cries of "ooooh!" and "ahhhhh!" accompany the especially dazzling displays.

 

Amidst the celebrations, I can't help but think of creation--that instant when God spoke the world into existence, "and there was light!" I loved fireworks as a kid, but I love them even more now.  I believe that this joy is a small echo of God's delight in creating the universe and sustaining all that He has made.

 

On this Independence Day, I want to remind you to rekindle that same joy as you care for God's planet. It is easy to get bogged down in all the rules of good stewardship and with all that is going wrong in our world. But just for a moment, as the darkness explodes into color and light, my prayer is that you might be filled with joy and wonder at what God has made. 

 

We do need to care for the earth, but we need to do it with God-inspired levity, art, and joy in our hearts.  And as God promised, it will be good!

 

Your brother in Christ,