Caring for Creation

Creation is our responsibility; as a business, as a family, and as individuals.

It doesn't take perfection, it takes eco-conscious consideration in everyday choices.

Hiking is one of our favorite ways to enjoy creation. One day while hiking, we let our daughter and oldest son run ahead. They were laughing and playing tag, dodging each other behind trees. The sun was warm and the birds were singing as loudly as our children were laughing.

Crowders Mountain State Park

As we observed them playing, we noticed our daughter (4 years fresh at the time) bending down and picking things up to store in her pockets.

Glorious hiking treasures, no doubt! I made a mental note to myself to be sure to empty her pockets as not to wash more sticks and rocks.

We finished our hike, thirsty and their tiny legs fatigued.

As we approached the mouth of the trail that lead back to the parking lot, she passed right by our Jeep and made a bee line for the rest area.

Assuming she needed to potty I started walking towards her to assist her. Before I could reach her, she emptied her pockets of her “treasures”.

It wasn’t treasures. It was garbage.

Garbage left behind by others who had gone before us. Garbage left for a four year old little girl to become responsible for.

My disappointment was immedately replaced with the upmost pride when I saw the look in my daughters little face.

She wasn’t angry or sad that she had to pick up the garbage. She was excited she took responsibility for what she saw.

At four years old, she looked back at me with the biggest, sweetest smile and asked, “Which recycling bucket, Mom?”

Her simple, eco-conscious decision made a difference. She may not have saved the world that day, but she made a responsible impact that that cared for creation.