"Don't desecrate the land in which you live. I live here too - I, God (35:34)
This coming April 17th our Nichalas and Amber will be starting on a new adventure they having been preparing and training for over the past three years. The Pacific Crest Trail. Their first steps covering the 2650 miles begins at the Mexican border near Campo, California and ands near Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia. They are estimating to finish late August or early September with many memories made and tucked into their hearts.
I have been reading an informative book, "Yogi's Pacific Crest Trail Handbook 2016-2017" and finding many of my fears being laid to rest. Confession: there are still fears regarding their travels over the snow covered peaks and some of the wildlife. But many of the thoughts I was having have been dismissed from the first hand account of one who has accomplished this hike. Numerous times.
During these past weeks we have spent many hours dehydrating foods, creating meals, accumulating toiletries and other needed items. Last night we began the process of sorting and putting everything in flat rate boxes for future mailing to the various post offices along the trail to replenish their supplies.
Before helping them prepare. I had never thought about the things they will have to carry out to dispose of in the towns along the way. All trash. Personal care items. In the book some people are so conscientious about the environment, they choose to bring out used TP. Some time ago we were conversing about hiking and camping and they shared with us news regarding Mt. Everest. Decades of mountaineering have taken a toll on the peak, which is strewn with rubbish from past expeditions, including oxygen cylinders, human waste and even climbers' bodies, which do not decompose in the extreme cold. Because of this, there is a vast amount of garbage littering the mountain earning it the nickname "World's Highest Garbage Dump".
Nepalese officials are now telling climbers scaling Mount Everest they will have to bring back 17.6 pounds of garbage left behind from others, plus what they carry in.
When visualizing the beauty of these mountains, garbage never crossed my mind. I started thinking about how people are here, closer to home. While mowing it still amazes me how anyone can roll down their window and throw out all the garbage from their fast food meal. When did this become an act of "normal" or "accepted" behavior. What is even sadder, often times I am very hesitant to pick up others trash for fear of what is in it or contaminated with.
Isn't it amazing how there is "nothing new under the sun", and we still don't learn. How we simply think so much of what is convenient for ourselves, we neglect to see past the end of our nose. So many times we throw out our "trash" believing it won't matter or affect anyone else.
When visualizing the beauty of these mountains, garbage never crossed my mind. I started thinking about how people are here, closer to home. While mowing it still amazes me how anyone can roll down their window and throw out all the garbage from their fast food meal. When did this become an act of "normal" or "accepted" behavior. What is even sadder, often times I am very hesitant to pick up others trash for fear of what is in it or contaminated with.
Isn't it amazing how there is "nothing new under the sun", and we still don't learn. How we simply think so much of what is convenient for ourselves, we neglect to see past the end of our nose. So many times we throw out our "trash" believing it won't matter or affect anyone else.
But it does.
Every single action we take, or don't take, causes a ripple across the expansion of time. In this Scripture, I apply it not only to the land I walk in, but my spiritual journey to train ourselves to be good stewards of The Temple He lives within. Us.
"Don't desecrate the land in which you live. I live here too - I, God."
What our ancestors did hundreds of years ago, is still a part of our lives and will be a part of the lives of future generations. You can't escape from it - it is a part of your makeup. Either in your genes or traditions handed down.
There is a story I have heard about a new bride fixing a ham for the first time. Before putting it into the pan, she cut off the ends. Her husband inquired why she was wasting so much meat and she replied it was how her mother always prepared the hams. Upon asking her mother why, she realized it was because of following the example of her mother. When asked why she did this, the grandmother replied, "because the pan was too short".
There is a story I have heard about a new bride fixing a ham for the first time. Before putting it into the pan, she cut off the ends. Her husband inquired why she was wasting so much meat and she replied it was how her mother always prepared the hams. Upon asking her mother why, she realized it was because of following the example of her mother. When asked why she did this, the grandmother replied, "because the pan was too short".
Our future generations have enough of their own battles to fight without having to haul around all of our trash. This is why it is essential to take our lead of life from His Word and walk by His Standards. It is The Truth for all situations. He is Who we need to desire to hand down to our future generations.
I am so thankful our Savior went up the mountain and gathered all my "trash", disposing of it. I am so thankful His cleanup is all we will ever need and "in" Him - we have been power washed clean.
1 comment:
Hi Deby, wow, that is such a powerful thought! I also never thought about the rubbish that could be left behind. One only sees the flag on top, the overcomers. And, I love the verse you chose for this post. So profound. It makes me think that there is more I can do in my little corner of the world. Great encouragement
God bless
Tracy
Post a Comment