Psalm 104:16-17
The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that God planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has its home in the fir trees.
Psalm 104 is a song of praise to God, the Creator. The psalmist recognizes and rejoices in God’s power and provision. You make springs gush forth in the valleys…giving drink to every wild animal…You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart.
God provides for people–for human hearts–but also for the cattle, the wild animals, the trees, the birds. All look to God to provide; all are dependent on God for their very existence.
What, then, is our responsibility to creation? To the birds? To the trees? To the cattle?
Perhaps the starting point is to simply pay attention. Notice the trees in which the birds build their nests. Notice what makes for a secure home. Notice what makes for a safe space to hatch new life.
Notice and give thanks. Notice and sing praise. Notice and listen for God’s invitation to share in providing for the stork and the cedar, to share in creating safe, life-affirming spaces for all God’s beloved ones–the hatchlings and the saplings alongside the babies of every time and place.
Come, Jesus, come. Shed your grace upon us. Inspire and empower us to care for creation as you do. Amen.
Today’s accompanying song is Shed Your Grace by Rising Appalachia.