Co-creators - Reflection by Dean Sue
Read Dean Sue's Reflection for Thursday, July 23rd
Did you know that National Parks week begins on Saturday? During National Parks week you are invited to enjoy a little peace and quiet amongst stunning scenery.
National Parks are areas which are protected because of their cultural importance, beautiful countryside or fascinating wildlife. There are fifteen national parks in Britain: ten in England, two in Scotland and three in Wales.
Having lived, on three occasions, very near National Parks the beauty of them always made me feel closer to God. Driving through the Peak District in my last job always made me reflect on God’s creation and the idea that we are co-creators with God.
What saddens me since the restrictions have been lifted is the amount of rubbish that is left on the paths on the sea front and in our parks. It also saddens me to see much more rubbish in the sea. Plastic bottles, empty crisp packets and empty carrier bags are the most common forms of rubbish. It is not, however, just the mess that upsets me it is also the effects of plastics on the beautiful birds and the sea-life.
According to the United Nations, at least 800 species worldwide are affected by rubbish and as much as 80 percent of the litter is plastic. As we can see from the new art installation at the parish Church in Liverpool seabirds, fish, sea turtles and marine mammals can become entangled in or ingest plastic debris, causing suffocation, starvation and drowning. The same is true in the countryside where rubbish left causes harm to cattle, to vegetation and to plant life.
As co-creators with God we need to take care of our countryside, and our National Parks in particular. We need to take care of the waterfront here in Liverpool. So as you travel this summer and visit the sea-shore and the countryside, stop and give thanks for the beautiful world in which we live. Give thanks for the amazing wild-life and please spare a thought for the wildlife that are affected by our rubbish.
So this National parks week enjoy the countryside and do take your rubbish home.
Dean Sue
While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of our prayer blog, Prayer for Liverpool: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.