Genesis 1:20-25 (NRSV)
20 And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” 21 So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
Reflection
So…it is Spring….and the ants have made their annual visit to our lower level washroom. They show up every year, invited or not. We’re not sure how they get in and we are relieved when they leave. However this year they don’t seem to bother me as much. I’ve been wondering why and today it dawned on me….in the midst of all of the change and uncertainty in which we find ourselves, there are things we can count upon to remain constant. Even the ants in the washroom.
And the birds that are trying to make a nest in our awning and above the light…again.
And the skunks that I am convinced are lurking in our yard just waiting for the dog to come out to play tag.
And the birds whose songs seem loudest the mornings after I went to bed late.
And the bold Canadian geese who have started to move into the mall parking lot because there are no longer cars there to get in their way.
And the mouse (I’m optimistically hoping it’s just one!!!) who seems to find any stash of chocolate I have at my desk and eat if first.
And….all of the wonders of creation….God’s beautiful creatures that God looks upon and declares them to be good. The creatures with whom we share the earth and who, even when not particularly welcome in all places, remind us that God has created and is continuing to create. Those tiny and massive creatures that teach us that we share this planet with wonderful, interesting, unique, awe-inspiring living things who have been created by a loving God – God, who is also constant.
I know that things feel uncertain. I recognize that this time in our world means different things for each of us. I also know that the love of God for God’s world is a constant that we can trust in and in which we can find hope.
I encourage you to look for signs of God’s constant presence each day and to give thanks to God for all of God’s creatures.
Prayer:
God, the wonder of creation is new every day. Help us to see You in it and to trust in your constant love. Amen.
To Listen and Sing:
Or if you are up for some silly fun by a great United Church of Canada musician, Linnea Good – try this (especially for children!!).
