Lord, already for some dear readers this day is shaping up to be one full of challenges and trials. Please bless them as only You can. In Jesus' name, amen.
Happy Earth Day! Today is a day in which we should take measures to protect our environment and enjoy the beauty and blessings of creation. I couldn't help but wake up with the wonderful words of "For The Beauty of the Earth."
For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour,
Of the day and of the night;
Hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
Sun and moon, and stars of light;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind's delight;
For the mystic harmony,
Linking sense to sound and sight;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on Earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.
We are called to be responsible and caring stewards of all God has shared with us. One local grocery store today is giving away their "green bags" for every five (5) plastic bags we take in. Ben and Jerry's is giving away free ice cream, for those who live close enough to one of those (or that may have been yesterday!). Regardless, look around today. Breathe deep the beauty of life, and give thanks! This is God's creation to preview that wonderful and glorious creation we will some day see! So, take care of the earth we have, live your life in gratitude for it, and live your life in a way that says you enjoy today but look forward to that glorious tomorrow.
PRAYER: God of earth and sky, water, and fire, I praise You for all creation. How wonderful are the works of Thy hand. For trees, birds, snails, snakes, rabbits, cats, and dogs, I thank You. And for humanity also, dear God, how often we take each other for granted, but we are the works of Your hands as well. Help others see in me, Your presence, and help me to look for You in all I meet today. Loving God, bring healing to the sick and to those who can't leave their homes to enjoy the beauty of today. Help us to be a part of that beauty. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
