Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
My great grandfather had the biggest influence on my life for a variety of reasons. It is only in looking back that I realize how he planted the seeds of both faith and conservation in me. He took me to church and celebrated each of my Catholic Sacraments: baptism, first community, reconciliation, and confirmation. He sang in the men’s choir, visited the sisters in the convent, often bringing them fresh smoked fish. He was both an example for and a champion of my spiritual growth.
He also influenced my appreciation of nature. Grandpa Ed was fun and never too busy to take me fishing from the pier or walking through the woods. Sometimes, he took us to the local salmon fishery and the pheasant hatchery. Other times, he took me to collect crawfish from traps and later oversaw a boil of them with dill, potatoes, and corn for our family.
We would go to our community zoo; he also served on its board. He had hunting and fishing accomplishments, too numerous to count in his 98 years on earth. He worked tirelessly to preserve the woods and waterways. His efforts were commemorated with a park shelter at a boat launch, which still bears his name nineteen years after his death.
I saw all these efforts, and yet somehow, I am failing to do enough to care for the earth.
I recently completed an assessment of my spiritual health as an exercise at a women’s retreat. I was surprised to see my weakness in relating to the environment. Of course, I know how to appreciate the natural wonders around me. This questionnaire revealed that my actions do not line up with my knowledge. To properly appreciate nature, we must actively participate in its stewardship.
Grandpa Ed knew this, and while I was watching, I wasn’t really paying attention.
It is always easy for me to recognize God in nature, in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. In the greening of the Wisconsin fields. In the changing blues of Lake Michigan. In the canopy of forest on the Ice Age Trail. In the stillness of an inland lake. The peace I experience in these environments is nice, but to truly enrich my soul, I must go beyond enjoying the view.
I enjoy hiking, yet do not volunteer to maintain the trails. I enjoyed sailing, but do not work for clean-up of the rivers and streams that feed the big body of water. I belong to a small lake association, but do not volunteer at the boat ramp inspecting for invasive species.
We all have the same twenty four hours in each day. We can choose to walk past opportunities for environmental stewardship or we can choose to engage. By engaging and intentionally selecting earth friendly options in our purchases, our waste usage, and our carbon footprint, we grow deeper in connection with the divine.
When I participated in a group park clean up this spring, I also got to enjoy the fellowship with others looking to make a bit of a positive impact. It felt soul nourishing and inspired me to seek out similar activities where I can show up in service to better the natural world. Later this month, I will do a beach
cleanup.
As I move forward, I’ll keep my great-grandfather’s example top of mind. His dedication to both faith and environmental stewardship inspires me to become a better caretaker of God’s creation. By actively participating in nature’s stewardship, I’ll not only grow deeper in my connection with the divine but
also honor the legacy of a man who taught me so much about appreciating the world around us.
Each small act of environmental care, from volunteering for trail maintenance to supporting sustainable practices, can make a significant impact when we all work together. I encourage you to join me in this journey, taking steps to nurture the natural world that nourishes our spirits and connects us
to something greater than ourselves. As we do so, let us remember the lessons passed down from our elders and strive to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the earth for generations to come.
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