Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. It’s a time when Christians should participate while acknowledging God, who created the heavens and the earth.
Reflect on the story of Genesis. Read Genesis 1 to your kids and discuss how God created the heavens and earth. Remind them that we do not worship creation but the one who spoke the Word to bring forth creation. Talk about ways your family can worship God, the Creator, and not creation.
Include Gospel conversations. As spring unfolds, talk about how God faithfully brings the seasons each year. He brings rain to nourish the plants. Remark how spring reminds us of God. In the winter, plants are dormant. In the spring, God causes trees, shrubs, and plants to grow and renew. Talk with your child about ways God renews us.
Look for ways to take care of the earth. Christians should lead the way in caring for God’s creation. As a family, discuss actions your family could take to care for God’s creation. Maybe participate in a cleanup trash day and share the Gospel with neighbors. Think about recycling and ditching plastic use. Drink water out of a travel mug or cup instead of plastic bottles. Use canvas shopping bags instead of plastic. Many companies offer bags for free.
Consider the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. What items could be fixed or repaired instead of tossed away and replaced with a new one? How can you reduce the use of plastic bags? Buy some bins from your local box store and start recycling glass, paper, cardboard, tin, and aluminum. Include your kids in sorting and placing items in the bins. Show your child how to be a good steward of creation.
Help your neighbor. Let’s think of our environment as a way to help others live and thrive. How? Plant a tree. Ride your bike to the library or school instead of driving a car. Find ways to conserve water in your everyday activities around the house. Donate items to a local Goodwill or charity instead of throwing them away.
Put away the screens and explore the outdoors. Spring is the perfect season to hike, see a waterfall, take a family bike ride, fly a kite, visit the Nashville Zoo, or stargaze. We miss so much (besides some Vitamin D) when we sit at home and stare at our phones. When our kids were little and we couldn’t afford much, we’d visit a pet store and look at all the fish. Ask your child, “What does creation tell us about the power and attributes of God?”
Earth Day may be April 22 on our calendar, but God wants us to be good stewards of his creation 365 days a year.
Sally Cressman is the author of “The Dance of Easter.” She writes about faith, family, and home on her website, www.sallycressman.com.
