Scott's Weekly Greeting, September 15, 2020

Author: Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 15, 2020

Scott's Weekly Greeting ...

I grew up learning to love animals ... creatures of every sort. As a child, we walked through the woods looking for salamanders and toads, crickets and grasshoppers. We caught fireflies but always let them go. For a while we lived in the Berkshires next to a farm. We had cows and horses as neighbors, and the woods were full of wildlife.

Like most children, we grew up with house pets. We had dogs and cats, hamsters, gerbils, birds and goldfish. We even had a bunny or two. Of course, we also had animal visitors. From time to time we would attempt to nurse an injured animal back to health. Sadly, we were not very successful in those missions of mercy.

As an adult, I try to walk gently upon the earth. I figure that the smallest of God's creatures have just as much right to the earth as I do. I mow the lawn paying close attention to any critters that may cross my path. We have a 'catch and release' policy in our house. I attempt to catch insects that are inside and release them outside where they can walk, crawl and fly free! My yard is a safe-haven for birds and butterflies.

I am not perfect. Far from it. But I do try my best.

When God asked us to have dominion over the creatures of the earth, I interpret that to mean that we are meant to be their care-takers. However, the truth of the matter is that we often find ourselves caring for the damage and injury that we the "care-takers" have inflicted upon them. Most of God's creatures would likely do better without us!

Our lesson this Sunday will focus upon God's Creation. We will explore the beauty of the earth and the creatures that live upon it. And we will consider what it means to be stewards ... care-takers ... of God's beautiful world.

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