Mid-Week Joy - Harvest & Creation

The beginning of October for many is the time we think and give thanks for our Harvest.The Old Testament reading for this Harvest will be familiar to most people and tells of the story of of the creation of all creatures on the earth and the creation of woman as a partner for man. Immediately before this passage we read about the creation of the world and God’s own reflection on his creation: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Gen 1:31).

As we near the end of another year which has been dominated by the impact of Covid-19 in all our lives and day to day activities, it made me think about some of the times when I have thought about the wonders God has given us.

There have been times when we were initially in lock down and travel was banned when we longed for holidays. I sometimes thought about how fortunate I had been to be able to go snorkeling in crystal clear seas, marveling at the wonderful varieties of fish, octopus, even turtles. On other occasions my thoughts drifted to magical sunsets over the horizon or mountains. In fact, only a few weeks before the first lock down I had been fortunate to be hiking in the highlands of Scotland looking at views of snow-capped mountains.

Then as events progressed more people than ever started walking in and around our local environs. Many of us found areas on our doorstep that we never took the time to explore before. Just down the street from St. Thomas there are extensive walks though Leesbrook nature trail and just below St. Agnes there is Grotton Hollows. For those familiar with the annual Parish Boundary walk you will also be aware of many other areas of lovely scenery and wildlife that is in our parish. If you are not familiar with the Boundary Walk, please look out for details of when this year’s will take place in the coming weeks - it’s a great experience for everyone from young kids upwards.

Leesbrook

For myself, there is something about rambling that is fulfilling and good for the soul. In fact, the term ‘rambling’ is of itself suggestive of what I mean – it’s walk that is not driven by urgency and impatience, a need to simply get from A to B. It’s about going on a journey where you have time to look around and take time to appreciate what is around you. On a large scale, to see the magnitude of the scenery, the hills, rock-faces, reservoirs, trees, and wildlife. On a smaller scale to look more closely at elaborate detail of individual plants and creatures. To marvel at how much variety God has given us to enrich our lives.

The complexity of each plant from a simple hedgerow flower to a huge oak tree. Have you ever studied how beautiful and intricate a humble blade of grass or oak leaf is? Then there are the myriad creatures from bees and butterflies to deer, cattle and the birds of the sky. Even spiders, bugs and beetles! 

Above: Blackberry Flower.    Below: Ringlet Butterfly

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” and we too can and should take time to look and appreciate what God has given to us.

Harvest time is of course a golden opportunity to give thanks for what God of given us. It is associated with giving God thanks for what he provided – for the bountiful harvest of food at end of the year. It is also time for us to collectively show our appreciation for everything else God provides – not just food but farmers, transports workers, (in air, land and sea), food processors, carers, scientists, medical workers and teachers. In fact, everyone and everything God has given us to support our lifestyle.

However, this year more than ever it is perhaps right that we not only give thanks for what God has given us but also spend time to think about what we have done to be stewards of his creation. In the epistle reading for today, [Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12], we are reminded that ‘God crowned humans with glory and honour, subjecting all things under their feet. God left nothing outside their control’. 

 As world leaders prepare for the COP 26 summit in Glasgow, we all need to consider what a mess we humans have made of God’s beautiful world! Pollution, forests wiped out, species of animals extinct because of human actions, a dangerously thin ozone layer, and millions of people starving.

 So, I ask you to pray with all your heart for God to give wisdom and courage to our leaders to make brave and challenging commitments to heal the world. Let each of us pray for the areas of the world that are not as fortunate as us; people in regions that are impacted by drought or flood as a consequence of our actions. God has provided for all of us, are we doing our bit to share what we have? 

Whilst we as humans may have made a mess of things, God has not left us alone to get on with it! God not only created the world – he created us and cares for us. He sent his only son Jesus to show us how we should behave towards one another. God sent Jesus into the world to die for us. He loves us and loves his world that much! “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good”

If you can find the time, why not go for a walk and revel in the wonders of our countryside this autumn. 

Paul