Cherish this Planet

December 2, 2015 by JoAnna 12 Comments

“I perceive the universe as a cosmic temple and planet earth as a sanctuary in that temple.”

__Natalie Scarberry

I read the words above, in Natalie’s post, the evening after watching the movie The Martian, a gripping story about a man left for dead on Mars. He must learn to survive on a barren, inhospitable planet, not meant for human habitation. Mars is full of rocks and dirt, and freezing cold temperatures. The Martian air is not fit to breathe.

It got me thinking about how perfectly created our planet earth is.  It seems the earth is well suited for us, more than we are for the earth.

I’m ambivalent about spending so much money on space exploration when our own planet needs so much help. I want to believe we can explore the universe AND save Earth.

But taking care of our precious home planet needs to be our first priority.

While our leaders meet in Paris, searching for ways to protect our planet, let us offer our hopes and prayers for their success.  Let us create peace in our own hearts and minds – one moment at a time – to work together.

Even with all the horrible things some humans do to our world, pockets of peace and beauty still survive. We can heal. Every patch of earth we care for is part of the healing.

 

I’m reminded of this poem I found in my Earth Prayers book.

Few things that grow here poison us.

Most of the animals are small.

Those big enough to kill us do it in a way

Easy to understand, easy to defend against.

The air here, is just what the blood needs.

We don’t use helmets or space suits.

The star here, doesn’t burn you if you

Stay outside as much as you should.

The worst of our winters is bearable.

Water, both salt and sweet, is everywhere.

The things that live in it are easily gathered.

Mostly, you can eat them raw with safety and pleasure.

Yesterday, my wife and I brought back

Shells, driftwood, stones and other curiosities

Found on the beach of the immense

Fresh-water sea we live by

She was all excited by a slender white stone which

“Exactly fits the hand!”

I couldn’t share her wonder.

Here, almost everything does.

Lew Welch

 

Photo by John Fowler via Wikimedia Commons