Reflecting on our Core Values: “Living Lightly in God’s Creation”

by Gina Haug

When I think about the Core Value of Living Lightly in God’s Creation, I am urged to reflect on how I can best honor and nurture the beautiful planet God gifted us with. I am constantly in awe and gratitude to witness the natural beauty of the world; the striking colors of a sunrise as I drive to work, the cheerful chirps and songs of birds gathering at my feeders, the warmth of the sun on my face to remind me of spring days ahead. 

I feel the most connected to the earth and to God when I am in my gardens. For me, gardening is more than landscaping and showy flowers (although of course I enjoy just walking around and taking in the beauty!). Planting and maintaining native plants helps me to honor God’s creation in cultivating the land the way He created it— providing natural and chemical-free food and habitat for the insects, birds, and other wildlife that we share our home with, and restoring and enriching our soil and water.

I feel very passionately about giving back to the earth what has been and continues to be neglected and depleted at alarming rates. Of course I know my one little corner of New Brighton is not even a blip on the radar when it comes to meaningful restorative measures, but perhaps I can help others find both the importance and joy to be found in natural and native gardening— helping to honor God’s beautiful, intricate, complex Creation.