~by Susi Pittman

Knowledge of God as revealed by the beauty of nature speaks to our senses without ceasing. It is in that beauty that our eyes behold a mirror of God’s love and our ears hear God’s voice in the rain, the brook and the bird’s song. Our intuition tells us that something in nature operates at an unseen level, something providential and mysteriously understood by it.

The Creator established His seal of approval upon creation as being “good.” It is in this goodness that surrounds us that we can but delight in our imagination for what the Lord has promised in the world to come. St. Paul exhorts that our eyes haven’t seen and our ears haven’t heard what God has promised for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9) The psalmist traces the work of God, praising God again and again for the beautiful gift of creation.

As Christian parents, we should have the highest regard for what God has given in the creation of planet Earth. As Christian parents, who more can teach their children to look upon these things as an expression of God’s love? As Christian parents, who better to teach their children how to respond in gratefulness from the heart through the bonds of love and responsible stewardship?

Awareness is ”key” to a child’s development in his appreciation of the natural realm and our extended family of creation.

• Taking the time to point out the miracles that God has given us in nature

• Offering time for contemplation and prayer

• Teaching the importance and inter-dependence of the human/animal bond as applies to the environment

• Widening your circle of awareness to include others

It is important to take small purposeful steps in order to create a conversion of heart, mind and thinking. It is for the future generation that all Christian parents owe sound creation stewardship teachings, so that the beauty of what God has given us in the earth is not robbed from it. We cannot be so irresponsible as to allow the sanctuary of creation to be “lost” to the next generation.

Compassion, humility, wisdom and peaceful responsibility direct the human soul to a higher level of communion with the Creator. Saint Francis of Assisi led this conversion in his day, allowing his actions to “speak” the “good news.”

For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

Appreciation is paramount. If we are to believe that Christ indeed unites the earth and the entire universe unto Himself, then we owe a much BIGGER debt of appreciation for the creation we have charge over, so as not to despoil and use these things in a way that takes away from God’s intentions.

Teach your children well!

John Michael Talbot: Pleiades and Orion

Susi Pittman is founder of CatholicStewardsofCreation.com and Owner-President of Twin Oaks Publishing; she is author of Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!; an advocate for the Florida Catholic Conference; a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Council of Women in Jacksonville, Florida; an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Augustine;a member of the Florida Publishers Association, Independent Book Publishers Association, the National Association of Professional Women, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and the National Audubon society.