Roy’s Ramblings

This past week I (and millions of others) observed Earth Day. It is celebrated annually on April 22 to promote environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability worldwide. Founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, it has historically been recognized as the largest civic event, featuring global activities like tree planting, cleanups, and educational workshops to combat climate change.

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans protested for environmental awareness, helping to launch the modern environmental movement; and is now focused to raise awareness about environmental issues such as pollution, oil spills, and loss of biodiversity, and to prompt action for a healthier, more sustainable planet. The United Nations refers to it as International Mother Earth Day, promoting harmony with nature. Individuals can participate by reducing plastic use, planting trees, cleaning up local parks, and educating others.

Scripture frames Earth Day through the concept of “stewardship,” highlighting humanity’s responsibility to care for God’s creation. Biblical, faith-based reflections often emphasize that the earth belongs to God (Psalm 24:1) and that humans are caretakers, not owners, of nature.

So this has been an interesting week – visiting folks that are recovering from procedures, hearing news of neighbors that are in hospital/under doctors care, news of a pastor friend that died suddenly in Evansville and another (younger) friend that has been diagnosed with cancer. On top of that, visiting with my parents that are now in assisted living and personally getting my first set of hearing aids. Yup – it has been a little stressful in my world this week.

I know that many of you are saying: “I have been living that reality for several years, what’s the big deal?” And there are others that are thinking: “I cannot relate to any of that, I haven’t yet experienced those dynamics of life.” But, I’m here to tell you. Life and aging sneaks up on you. Sometimes quickly, sometimes gradually … but as we age … life changes. Don’t get me wrong, I hope and pray that we all celebrate as many birthdays on this earth as we possibly can – the experiences, the wisdom, the positive changes we can all still make in ourselves and others – All Still Worth It!! Although … how we do … well … everything … changes with added years of experience.

The saying that I’ve heard is that I prayed to God for patience and God gave me stumbling blocks so I would learn patience. I prayed to God for riches and God blessed me with the riches of relationships and love. I prayed to God for forgiveness and peace and God sent Jesus.

This coming November, I will be 58 years old, (I’m quite young to some of you and very old to others) and I am starting on the path of physical, mental, and emotional challenges (we ALL go through them). But, that doesn’t mean that we give up or stop or quit … it means that we adjust and persist. As Dory said in the movie Finding Nemo … Just Keep Swimming!! Again, a good friend sent me a poem that says this so much better than I. So here is “On Aging” by Maya Angelou.

Love, Peace, and Blessings to and for us All – Pastor Roy

On Aging by Maya Angelou
When you see me sitting quietly,
Like a sack left on the shelf,
Don’t think I need your chattering.
I’m listening to myself.
Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me!
Hold! Stop your sympathy!
Understanding if you got it,
Otherwise, I’ll do without it!
When my bones are stiff and aching,
And my feet won’t climb the stair,
I will only ask one favor:
Don’t bring me no rocking chair.
When you see me walking, stumbling,
Don’t study and get it wrong.
‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy
And every goodbye ain’t gone.
I’m the same person I was back then,
A little less hair, a little less chin,
A lot less lungs and much less wind.
But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in.