“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 NIV

Today is Earth Day! Earth Day is celebrated worldwide and focuses on environmental issues that face our planet and us. Earth Day addresses pollution, global warming, endangered species to name just a few. But let us all think first of this: that all of the earth; its oceans, mountains, plants, forests, insects, all species of animals, and yes, even humans were created by our magnificent God. The whole natural world was created by and belongs to God. In Genesis after creation is complete, God puts Adam and Eve into the Garden of Eden to take care of it and tend it. God gives us (humans created in His image) dominion over all of the earth and its creations.

That means that we as humans have the undeniably huge responsibility of caring for His creation. We may not always have done a great job. But what better reason to care for this wonderful planet of ours than to know that we are caring for God’s marvelous creations!

Today I want to share a few pictures of my small piece of creation that I get to care for and tend and delight in.

Wildflowers have taken over an old homestead and a daffodil still grows by the side of the road.

Trees welcome the warmer spring weather and leaf out in almost fall colors of reds and oranges and light  greens.

 A natural spring harnessed for earth-filtered cool drinking water.

Eastern Redbuds bloom almost purple, a tall umbrella magnolia blossoms will form seed pods in the fall that bears and birds love, and dogwoods flower among the forest trees.

Our Easter morning sunrise!

This week step out into God’s wonderful creation and celebrate Earth Day and appreciate the natural world around you. Perhaps you can choose a park or other area and pick up trash, or plant some flowers or a tree, or recycle plastics, or make a natural area for others to enjoy, or any activity that allows you to take a bit of responsibility for caring for God’s fabulous created earth.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me today as we all celebrate Earth Day in God’s amazing creation!