Entitled. I was given a very entitled relationship with creation. I was taught that God made creation so that we could enjoy it, and therefore it is my privilege to do the things I like to do without concern about the affect. This is how I was raised. Two memories that come to mind include these: In the midst of a drought, I remember my mom hosing down the driveway because she “liked it when it was clean”. I also remember eating fast-food in the car and being instructed to put the trash outside on the ground by my dad because “we were making jobs for the lowest class in Southern California”. There was very little thought given to creation care.

Moving to Oregon has offered me an incredible new perspective. Whether that means packing your trash out after camping, recycling as a hobby, buying reusable products, biking instead of driving, looking for used items before buying new things…these are all radical changes for the way I was raised. And, I still have a long way to go. 

Surprisingly, my kids have become my best teachers. They go to a public school which has the goal of producing zero-waste. What a brilliant idea! My oldest is devastated by micro plastics which are digested in fish and other small animals— and his care is contagious. We read books and watch documentaries about caring for the earth amidst the global warming crisis and this has become very interesting and intriguing to me. Wall-e is one of their all-time favorite movies, and a constant reminder that we need to live purposefully.

From the very beginning of Genesis, as God is at work making the earth, we see that creation provides us with a direct link back to our Creator. As I unlearn behaviors, I long to look at the wonder of creation and take time to consider the mystery of belonging to a very creative God—not just myself, but all of creation. I long to notice the yearly cycles of the seasons and consider the Spirit, restoring all things to Christ. I hope to bring restoration to my small patch of earth and be reminded of my place as a co-sustainer in partnership with my loving Creator.

The high desert in Oregon is difficult to work—the growing season is short and the temperatures are drastic. However, I want to learn how to restore the land to native habitats. I think this begins by learning about native plants and learning from different experts, such as Think Wild and other non-profits located in our city. ARocha is another global non-profit that has a lot to offer in regards to restoring people and places to the Earth. I also want to learn more about water-wise gardening growing food in a green house. 

My heart breaks for the damage we have done to the Earth and longs to be a part of the solution before it becomes even worse.