It’s a bit chilly this morning but the forecast is for warming temperatures, the kind we associate with early spring. Although we may like the moderating temperatures, they bring problems linked to a warmer climate. Several park rangers in our area have already been bitten by deer ticks, which can bring on Lyme Disease.
The warming waters of streams, rivers and oceans are playing havoc with the balance of nature as well, certain kinds of species dying off, causing an increase in others. On the west coast sunflower sea stars, a huge starfish with about 24 limbs that ate sea urchins, is now on the endangered list. The sea urchins feast on kelp forests, causing an even warmer ocean.
Here on our east coast, the warmer waters favor jellyfish, just what we need as we begin to think about going to New England beaches and the Jersey shore. It’s easy to throw up our hands and think there’s nothing we can do. But that’s not the case. We can join with others to advocate for a healthier planet and pressure politicians to live up to their stated promises.
Prayer for the Day
You who call us to move beyond our feelings of helplessness,
Scatter the winds of ignorance and darkness from our land;
You who with a single word created the mountains and valleys,
Give us strength to enlighten those in the shadows.
Grant, O God, that we may be emboldened to speak and act,
So the earth you created will thrive and not wither.
In the name of the One who is always with us,
Even Chrit Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead, anthropologist (1901-1978)
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.
- John Muir, naturalist (1838-1914)
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims god’s handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Yet their voice goes out throughout all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world. – Psalm 19: 1-4