A promise for the earth
How can we reach harmony with our planet?
from the April 10, 2007 edition
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Mary Baker Eddy described an all-loving God in her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." God, as the source of love, has nothing but good for His creation. Learning that, and how it applies to each individual, is one purpose of prayer. She wrote, "Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action" (p. 454).
Isn't this what we need in our effort to improve the environment: an inspiration of love, showing us the way? It's something worth listening for in prayer.
In the 1960s, Los Angeles found that its gasoline-driven transportation system was not compatible with its light annual rainfall and smog-trapping terrain. Rather than give up on their wonderful climate and location, the city and the state have conducted more than 30 years of programs to reduce automobile emissions. The air is better, and their lifestyle has not been dramatically curtailed. But they remain alert, and more programs are under way to further improve the air quality.
I find this one example heartening, indicating ways that ingenuity, creativity, and commitment can solve problems, and I know that prayer played a role.
I also find inspiration in another statement in Science and Health, which, to me, broadens the scope of what is possible for humanity and the earth: "Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof. Life and goodness are immortal. Let us then shape our views of existence into loveliness, freshness, and continuity, rather than into age and blight" (p. 246).
"Loveliness, freshness, and continuity" – beauty, newness, and permanence. This is our legacy and future, and it's discovered and fulfilled with prayer.
The earth is the Lord's,
and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they
that dwell therein.
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