UCA SA - Reflection of the week

God has given us an amazing place, this earth that we live in and the universe around us. It is so easy to forget, in the busyness of life, to smell the roses, to appreciate the environment given to us, to respond to God by caring for his creation.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. – Genesis 1:1-3

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. – Psalm 104:24

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. – Revelation 4:10-11

Thank you, loving God, for this world you have given us, for the beauty in the sunrise and the colours of the sunset.

Thank you for the sound of a river, and the crashing of the waves, for the rugged beauty and the depth of colour of the Australian outback.

Thank you for the morning dew and the warming sun, for the intriguing clouds and the rain that quenches thirst.

Thank you for the majestic gum trees and the tiny wild flowers, for the life in rock pools and all the life you have given to this earth.

As I stand gazing skyward in the night, I am amazed at your creation beyond my world and that you would love me, even me, so small and insignificant.

I choose to appreciate your creation today and each day of my life. I choose to live responsibly, to buy wisely, to re-use where possible, and to recycle in my everyday living. We pray for justice for our planet and all its breadth and diversity. We pray that our children's children will be able to enjoy your creation. Help us to live in harmony with your creation, to protect the environment in which we live, to live responsibly in our world, and to smell the roses when we can. We give you praise!