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MEDITATION:

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary Christian theologian and author.  This is an excerpt from his book “Learning Humility.”

I am taken by the Lakota sense of beauty. It focuses quite naturally on aspects of beauty in nature. Kent Nerburn, editor of “The Wisdom of the Native Americans,” is an internationally recognized artist and so he is especially sensitive to the Native American expressions of beauty in nature. He observes their keen attention to the natural beauty of the earth. “I have seen in our midsummer celebrations cool arbors built of fresh-cut branches for council and dance halls, while those who attended decked themselves with leafy boughs, carrying shields and fans of the same, and even making wreaths for their horses’ necks. But, strange to say, they seldom make free use of flowers. I once asked the reason for this.” “Why,” said one, “the flowers are for our souls to enjoy; not for our bodies to wear. Leave them alone and they will live out their lives and reproduce themselves as the Great Gardener intended. He planted them; we must not pluck them, for it would be selfish to do so.”

PRAYER:

Today’s prayer is a prayer of stewardship from the Anglican Church of Australia.

Creator God, you formed us from the dust of the earth, and reveal your fingerprints in all flesh. Teach us your deep wisdom in the order and beauty of all that you have made. When our care for your creation is found wanting, reprove and reform us, so that our footprints may be more gentle on the earth, tending and keeping it as your own handiwork, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.