Earth Day

Yesterday was called Earth Day. Over the years this day has become an international focus for media and "green people" to talk about the care of the earth. I appreciate what they are doing and I hope that the information that is shared by them gets us to take action so that care for the environment becomes our way of life. There are very simple behaviors that can be modified that could have a great impact, particularly if a number of us changed behavior. Consider, paying attention to what we consume and what we throw away. Making just those changes in behavior that are environmentally friendly, we will make a difference. What are some ways you have made changes in what you do for the sake of environmental care? Let's share them....

tragedy continues

The news about Virginia Tech's tragedy continues to reach us. Here is some reflection with a wider view. A friend commented to me yesterday that this tragedy at Virginia Tech has shocked our nation and stirred outrage in many people. Nearly every day, however, at least 33 civilians die in Iraq. Yesterday there were at least 170 persons who died.

tragedy

April 18, 2007
Our attention has been drawn to the tragedy at Virginia Tech. The Newspaper reported yesterday's scene at Virginia Tech as our nation was trying to figure out why are these things happening. Some things that we learn about human nature is that we need to be valued and we need to be loved. One sketch I read was that common to all the people who have engaged in violence is that they were loners and seemed to feel devalued. We also learn that they came to a breaking point in their anger.
All of this leads me to comment on self and others. Where do we find our value? In what ways do we need to be valued? And how do we feel that we are valued? I want to say that we are deeply valued by God. But we need more. We need to know that there are other people who value us.
Nurture the relationships you have. If those relationships are broken do what you can can to heal them. We need one another. And if you are lost for such relationships... rent one. Seek out a competent counselor. And also nurture your relationship with God.
Secondly, we all feel angry at times. Most of us carry a lot of stress around. The more stressful times can surface anger. There are times when anger is so normal we don't even recognize that we are angry. At that point we even think of doing desperate things, that we would not even think of doing under more peaceful times in our lives. Find ways to manage stress and disappointment.
All this is to say there is a warning sign from Virginia Tech to all of us to take care of ourselves and pay attention to one another. Nurture relationships and take life a little easier. Jesus has a lot to say about these. Look him up, too.