Take Good Care
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God created the world, and asked people to care for it. The issues of climate change and caring for the earth have become highly politicized, but for us as Christians, it’s actually pretty simple and theological - God created a good creation, and it’s our job to “take good care of the land and water, take good care of the creatures, too, take good care of one another,” just as God takes care of us (words of this month’s song).
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Read It
Genesis 1:31a
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.
Do It
Reimagine your “green space.”
Look around at the space you have, whether it’s a big yard or an apartment patio. How can you reimagine it to take better care of God’s earth?
Create healthier soil
This can be a fun one for older children, especially. Here’s an article to get you started, but a simple internet search can give you even more ideas.
For really young children - Soil Theology 101
Go out to your yard or another place with soil. Bring a shovel, something to sift with, and a few cups or bowls. Play in the soil, and don’t be afraid to get dirty. As you feel it and play with it, talk about how God created soil for the earth. Just like we need lots of nutrients like fruits and vegetables to help us grow, soil needs nutrients too. Through the soil, God gives life. Basically, you can have a little theology lesson while getting delightfully messy.
Ideas from other months’ faith practices are here and here.
Look around at the space you have, whether it’s a big yard or an apartment patio. How can you reimagine it to take better care of God’s earth?
- If you live in a climate that consistently has drought, can you take out landscaping that requires extra watering and put in drought-resistant plants?
- Look into edible landscaping and consider swapping out some bushes for plants that will give sustenance.
- If your lawn takes a lot of care, what about a gradual shift to native grasses that won’t require as much upkeep?
- If you don’t yet have a garden, think about planting one that can help feed your family (and give your children a chance to learn about caring for God’s earth).
- If your only space is a concrete deck, what about putting a small greens hothouse or a tomato plant on it?
- Grow some herbs in your window.
- If you have a large space and want to go a little crazy, consider getting a few goats or chickens for some natural mowing/insecticide/fertilizer - and of course, yummy eggs and milk, too.
Create healthier soil
This can be a fun one for older children, especially. Here’s an article to get you started, but a simple internet search can give you even more ideas.
For really young children - Soil Theology 101
Go out to your yard or another place with soil. Bring a shovel, something to sift with, and a few cups or bowls. Play in the soil, and don’t be afraid to get dirty. As you feel it and play with it, talk about how God created soil for the earth. Just like we need lots of nutrients like fruits and vegetables to help us grow, soil needs nutrients too. Through the soil, God gives life. Basically, you can have a little theology lesson while getting delightfully messy.
Ideas from other months’ faith practices are here and here.
Pray It
God, thank you for your good creation. You made your earth good and you made people good. Help us know how to care for your earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sing It
"Take Good Care"
New World Coming by Bryan Moyer Suderman, track 8
New World Coming by Bryan Moyer Suderman, track 8
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This year’s faith practices go with songs from the CD “New World Coming,” by Bryan Moyer Suderman. They work well on their own, but if you want a bonus for your family’s experience, buy a CD to listen to for the year.
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