Hippies. Tree huggers. Environmentalists. All of these terms immediately create images in our minds, and most often put a very negative taste in our mouth concerning nature. Spiritual life week at Bluffton University has been about Connect 4, that is connecting with God, ourselves, others, and nature (creation). It’s easy to relate to the first three, but can one genuinely connect to creation on a daily basis? Does finding a connection with creation require drastic life changes? What does it mean to have a healthy relationship with, or a connection to creation?
A word probably completely overlooked above is “with” (go ahead and look for it now, I know you’re itching to). “With” is a word that has continued to surprise me in many ways. Taking time to understand “with” implies belonging, companionship, comradery and a sense of contentment as well. God wants to be with you. God wants you to be with Him. “With” also reminds us to be present in the lives of others, to enter into their hurts, joys, sufferings and accomplishments. Finally, “with” asks us to slow down, to observe what is around us, and to care for what is at hand without worrying too far in advance.
How does “with” look to you when it comes to creation? It could be as easy as sitting outside watching the world pass by, letting God speak through observation and being still. Maybe the whole point of being with creation has been something we missed due to our busy routines. Though we all have work to do, when was the last time you slowed down and were with creation? The saying goes, “places to go, people to see”, but why not for a change just be.
*credit to shawn yoder who wrote a solid portion of this for spiritual life week.
