Thanks Be to God
By Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA
[We] have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. -Ephesians 3:6 NRSV
She was almost three years old, happy and content to play by herself. She loved sitting in the sunshine, scooping up dirt and carefully placing it, one spoonful at a time, into a pail. She liked the feel of the dirt, the sound it made when she plunked it in the container.
Her mother kept a close eye on her from the kitchen window as she prepared dinner. Suddenly, she saw a menacing creature resolutely headed toward her little girl. Panicked, she rushed to the door. But by the time she got there, the huge tarantula was already crossing one of her baby’s legs. If she called out and startled the child, she might react or even grab at the moving object, and very likely be bitten.
The mother held her breath and waited agonizingly as the spider lifted one large, hairy leg after another and moved slowly across her child’s other leg. Still deeply engrossed in her dirt patrol, the small girl was oblivious to the present danger. As soon as the tarantula went on its way, the mother rushed out the door and grabbed her little girl, hugged her tight, and carried her in the house to safety.
This was a real-life experience. You see, my mother was the small child. The “what if’s” are multi-layered. Who knows what would have happened if my grandmother had not used extreme wisdom in a potentially harmful situation. As it turned out, my mother always did enjoy working with dirt and plants, and she never was one to be frightened by small creatures. She passed on many such joys to me, and I have passionately loved God’s creation all my life. I must confess, I will never be fond of eight-legged creatures, but I will respect them as we share this planet Earth.
The earth is the Lord’s-let us enjoy all of its many blessings to us.
For the fruit of all creation,
thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping,
silent growth while we are sleeping
future needs in earth’s safe-keeping,
thanks be to God.
-Fred Pratt Green, xc2xa9 1970 Hope Publishing Company,
Community of Christ Sings 132
Prayer Phrase
I dwell in your presence.
Spiritual Practice
Prayer of Examen
Spend a few moments recalling your day. Let details, events, and conversations drift through your memory. Offer gratitude for the day and pray to be aware of how God was present. What did you notice or feel that brought meaning? Pay attention to moments when you felt least in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Offer a prayer of confession. Pay attention to moments when you felt most in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Pray to be even more aware of and responsive to God’s presence in the days ahead. Amen.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
