Greenwork
Sometimes when I sit out in my "woods", I see things that surprise me and give me hope. Like the "cross" that's in the picture above. As a person who's into preserving the world, I need such hopeful surprises. For, there are moments when I feel like my greenwork is not making a bit of difference. I feel endlessly sad that perhaps I, and others like me, will fail to keep the world intact.
Indeed, the book of Revelation suggests this is exactly how it will go. The world will be assaulted until it is ruined beyond hope. And those who participate in its destruction will be judged...
...your wrath has come, and the time for judging...both small and great, and for destroying those who destroy the earth. Rev. 11:18
Yet, Revelation also offers hope. Even as its writer, John, weeps, he is told to stop, for there is one who is worthy to open the scroll and herald in a recreated heaven and earth. Indeed, this assurance, found in Revelation 5, ends with a hopeful chorus, sung by "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them."
To whom do they sing? To the one who was "slaughtered" that we might live (Rev. 5:9). And this song, and the one to whom it will be sung, comes to me in the simple visions of my little "woods." And I am renewed in strength to go on with my greenwork, as a prelude to that greater, future song.
Photo by L.L. Barkat
Speaking of approaching our work with hope and strength, this week TheHighCalling.org is going on blog tour to bring you special ideas about living and working— including many aspects of work and family; gifts and leadership; excellence; integrity; attitude; professional relationships; and service.
If you'd like to be encouraged, inspired, or revitalized by some of HC's earth-in-mind resources, consider these tour options...
Membership... become a member of TheHighCalling.org
Awesome Articles... Memento Mori, Skyscrapers and Leaves
Amusing (and Awesome) Article... Packing Faucets
Other tour rest stops...
Seedlings in Stone
Gordon Atkinson
Gina Conroy
Craver VII
CREEations
Milton Brasher-Cunningham
Mary DeMuth
Karl Edwards
Emdashery
Every Square Inch
Amy Goodyear
Marcus Goodyear
Al Hsu
Jennwith2ns
Chalres Foster Johnson
Mike McLoughlin
Eve Nielsen
Naked Pastor
Ramblin Dan
Charity Singleton
Stacy
Camy Tang
Have a Great Trip!!
Labels: creation, nature, restoration, secret spot, stewardship
posted by L.L. Barkat at 7:11 AM
11 Comments:
"The world will be assaulted until it is ruined beyond hope." L.L., do you really believe this?
Thanks for being a tour guide on this journey called life.
Mark... predictive prophecy points in that direction, from Isaiah to Revelation. Do I want to believe it? No. Do I live like my actions don't matter then? No. Truly a paradox.
I remember Israel, and how destruction was put off for generations because of the actions of certain godly people. That's partly why I don't give up. Also, I believe this earth is a gift, and I believe God wants us to accept it and treat it as such. That is a form of worship, to me.
Do you know that there are secular people, a good number, who think we are at the edge of hope... where it is almost too late to turn back the damage? I'm not sure how they live with this view and keep doing their "earthwork" with any kind of hope. For me, as I said, it is part of my worship, and I have the ultimate hope of recreation.
Thanks for this encouraging post. Sometimes I also feel like I'm fighting a losing battle, but there is such simple beauty in worshipping the Lord by being good to His creation. He gives peace and pleasure through the special care we take, while being destructive leaves us feeling so broken ourselves, don't you think? Beautiful photo.
Dorothy, I had not even thought about that aspect... that we receive a reward in a sense, through the peace and pleasure such worship brings. And you are so right. When I go outside, I simply feel my distress draining away, and new life and contentment pulsing in...
i can tell you are really in tune to your "secret" place to have noticed this. what a great find!
and somewhat scary, the revelations verse. i try to do what i can, but know it's not enough. i also apply this, not to just the physical earth, but to humanity in general. there is so much that is broken......
Blue... you point out something that is most wonderful to me, as far as what I "see" in that place. I realize through the experience that there are so many simple blessings to be found, if I open my eyes and my heart.
I think the Rev. verse is scary too, and never feel that I can do enough... but I think that's what is so powerful about the cross. It reminds me that I needn't be afraid, nor be enough. Someone else cares, and has the power to redeem.
It's truly sad when I hear Christians say they don't care about environmentalism because God's gonna destroy it all anyway. That is so inconsistent with the whole of scripture. We are taught throughout to care for the gift we have and steward our resources for God's glory.
Good post! I appreciate your outlook on it all.
Peter... I think part of the problem is that there is not enough attention given to a theological understanding of Jesus' relationship to creation.
I often think that if we understand Him as the one who "holds all things together" (Colossians), we would never want to stand on the side of the Evil One, who seeks to take apart anything that belongs to and is supported by Jesus.
I am so glad you commented in my blog today, because it led me to yours... I just had to tell you that you blog is beautiful and your wonderful spirit radiates so much life through it. I was just captivated as I read through the posts... LOVED all of them and will definitely come back.
Just remember, never ever underestimate the impact you may make in this world. My green journey may just be beginning, but I have been very inspired by yours. Best Wishes!
I keep seeing you at a few of the blogs I regularly visit and decided I should stop in and say hello!
Thanks for providing the links here. I'm going to check some of them out!
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