Nature Reclaimed

I went to the grand opening of the Trinity River Audubon Center in Dallas. (other photos from my afternoon). It was a beautiful day to be outside and the turnout was very strong despite the State Fair and Cowboy football game as venerable competition. One of the success stories about the center already is that it was once an illegal dump site. It has been reclaimed by the City of Dallas and demonstrates how a municipal liability can be transformed into a major asset. The Center has over 6,000 acres and volunteers will provide a direct impact in further reclaiming and restoring the land for native plants and animals. It also provides new economy and improved visibility for an area of town that is often bypassed for the malls and athletic complexes of north Dallas. Between the educational programs at the Center, the Tai Chi demonstration, and the rescued birds of prey that were on display I was reminded of the vast array of opportunities available for volunteers to make others aware of our inter-connectedness.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, Your creativity is magnificent! There are ponds teaming with life, brilliant flowers attracting insects, drying fall plants waiting to reseed, children learning about the hidden world around them, and adults growing in harmony with nature. Life is resilient! Let us reclaim our place in your presence when we have sloughed away from our responsibilities, and let us restore our faith when we have polluted our morale. You provide opportunities for rebirth and rejuvenation. Let us each find a passion to call our own, in which we are compelled to help educate and promote awareness for others. There are infinite possibilities as we marvel at your creation and the abundance of life! Yet with the countless organisms in your creation, one declining system impacts all others. All are deemed worthy. Let us live to be worthy and restored by your grace. Amen.