The Reconciliation of All Things

 I've spent two weeks traveling with the organization I'm working with. The first place was 5 hours away, the next place was another 7 hours past the first location.  There has been so much beauty in these places, and the people are wonderful to work with. I've had some good conversation with many people; speaking the language fluently has been helpful too, as nobody knows I'm not Brazilian. It's been refreshing to see people let their guard down when they talk with me, and I'm encouraged to be interacting with them and building relationship. Our purpose back in Brazil goes beyond just reforesting the land that so desperately cries for good stewardship and restoration, it is also about the silent cries for hope, for reconciliation to God that only Jesus Christ can bring.

What do you think? Is caring for creation anthropocentric (man-centered?) Or is it eco-centric? When I speak at churches, small groups, colleges, or any other gatherings, I always ask this question. Often times, I get blank stares, or confusion...but it's really a trick question! The answer, from Scripture, is that our efforts in caring for creation are to be Theo-centric...or focused on God! It is HIS creation! To this effect, some friends of mine have written a scholarly article, very well done, about this topic. It's worth a read, and not super long. Here is the link to it:  https://crdajournal.org/index.php/crda/article/view/463/339 Please, take the time to read it, and learn more about what our calling as believers is in regards to creation. "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!" Psalm 24:1

Maryville, where we've lived here for about six years, has become home to us. For myself, it's the longest I've lived in one place consecutively. Even growing up in Brazil, as a family we moved back to the US every four years and spent one year here before returning to Brazil.  Whether it's the Redbud tree I planted in our yard a few years ago and its amazing pinkish/purple blooms, or the variegated willows grown from cuttings from my in-laws in NY state, or the weeping willow, apple trees, mulberry,  plums, or other things I've planted, I love my yard. I love working with my hands to make something useful and beautiful. Similar to a carpenter I'd say, who takes joy in the labor, in the sweat equity put into his work. He gets to enjoy the work when it's complete. I also get to enjoy the work of my hands, be it the literal fruit that grows from it, or the shade it gives, or the scent, and beauty of flowers in spring... This has been h...