my island

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I am grateful to all those local saints who have been such good stewards of the natural resources of this island, and all who struggle to find the balance between the needs of community, financial responsibility, and protecting this wild island we inhabit. October is the month we commemorate St. Francis of Assisi who had a special gift for paying attention to the needs those who might otherwise be overlooked by the powers-that-be. He is often depicted in statues and icons with birds on his shoulder, and a wolf at his side. The stories tell us that he had a wolf as a companion, and that when no one else was around to preach to, he would just preach the gospel to the birds.

As we celebrate St. Francis and his attention to the voiceless, I am mindful of the recent scare around Paradise Pond that resulted in a variety of reactions! I got caught up in fearing it might be a direct attack on one of our island treasures. Conversation with people on the island, and the comprehensive article by Dan Parker helped me learn the fuller context, and anticipate an opportunity to help the black willow trees to re-populate the exposed bank of the pond. Moving from react mode into response mode has left me realizing how much ownership I now feel of this blessed island of ours, and grateful for its natural beauty. Living in a place like this, where we get to witness beautiful sunrises over the gulf and sunsets over the bay helps keep me mindful of our role as stewards of God's good creation. We are called to be the stewards and caretakers of the creation, and as human beings we have the responsibility to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves. I'll also remember our local saint Tony Amos here, who has been vigilantly watching the beaches for so many years, and calling us all to pay attention to the harm we might otherwise do unconsciously.

One of the Archbishops from our church described the Universe as the Sacrament of God. My pocket definition of sacrament is "an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace." The universe is how we come to know God. The universe is the outward and visible sign of God's inward and spiritual grace. Consider the sense of connection felt while gazing at the stars or while anticipating a sunrise; the wonder of the rosette spoonbill in flight or the complexity of a little hermit crab. My church has taught me that it all comes from God; it is the expression of God: the mysterious bang; the spinning galaxies; the miraculous existence of life; the evolution on this planet that has even made it possible for me to be self aware and reflect on my own existence! It is all a gift from God. It is God's overflowing love in creative expression, and we have a place in it. We have a responsibility to take care of it as God's appointed stewards.

With my feet back on the ground in our island sand, I give thanks to God for everyone who has cared and who cares for this island! For those who have worked to protect Paradise Pond (including the neighboring developer who has been careful to stay within the property line!), for the scientists at UTMSI who learn and teach us about our local ecosystem, to the guy who I always see walking around town picking up trash, to the city government who are tasked with keeping so many perspectives and concerns in balance. It is all part of being stewards of God's good creation. Thank you, and Glory be to God that we are fortunate enough to live on this wild little island.

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