Care for creation is a big task. The more we spend time fathoming the scope this task, the clearer we see we cannot do this alone; nor were we created to. I'd like to add some more words from Norman Wirzba to our dialogue. His book, Living the Sabbath: Discovering the Rhythms of Rest and Delight quickly became one of my favorite resources during my research. In the second chapter, "The Meaning of Sabbath," Wirzba spends some time discussing Sabbath Justice. In reference to Deuteronomy and Exodus, he takes some time discussing the vision of Sabbath found there and its implications for a society.
Care for creation includes the basic premise found in the first paragraph below, "the rest of one person should not be at the expense of another's exhaustion or toil." It is this idea that I heard echoing underneath all of the recent pledging and talking about refusing to shop on Thanksgiving Day. As we saw, it's much harder to implement a full-stop, especially when we have built up so much that relies on the daily labor of others.
Take some time with Wirzba's writing below...
How have we lived out an understanding of sabbath that extends beyond ourselves, for all? In what ways have we allowed our consumerism to cloud our understanding of creation's purpose, as well as our appreciation for the work of others?
As you go throughout your day today, pay special attention to the people, animals, and all other aspects of creation that are working around you. How is the work of this creation making your day possible? How is your work playing a roll in their daily life? When do you see people and things caring for each other? Be intentional with your care for all things.
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