One of the things that I have done during the long months of the pandemic restrictions has been to occupy some time each day working on puzzles through an app called Jigsaw. Truly, there are multitudes of such puzzles available online for a very minimal fee ( some are even free.) My personal preference among all these puzzles are those depicting the incredible beauty of the world in which we live. Broad vistas of the English countryside, towering mountains, seashores, waterfalls, the timeless beauty of the desert, they all connect me with the beauty that surrounds us if only we will pause to take it into our minds and hearts.
Love of God’s creation is nothing new for me. As a child, the woods were my refuge. With my faithful dog, I would spend hours among the tres and along the clear, spring-fed brook that ran along the little valley. These were time of incredible peace for me. As I grew older, my connections with other aspects of creation grew as I fell in love with mountains and the seashore. It all was such an incredible gift from God.
Unfortunately, as I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the many ways that humankind was despoiling so many aspects of this beautiful world. It grieved me deeply.
As an adult, I committed myself to doing what I could in my own little sphere of life to care for the earth. Everything that can be recycled is recycled. In the brief New Hampshire summers, I have a small organic vegetable garden. Everything that can be composted is composted. Destructive chemicals are banned from the gardens and the house. We support local small farmers and belong to a food co-op. We continue to work to lower our carbon footprint.
As was the case with our beloved Francis, I consider all this to be a wonderful gift from God to be savored with care and responsibility.
In thins springtime, I look forward to getting out and getting my hands in the dirt. I know it is my responsibility to care for the earth as I enjoy its incredible generosity to me.
Anjelika, OEF