By Richard Bunch, World Church Earth Stewardship Team

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…. And the one who was seated on the throne, said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

When I have been given the opportunity to contribute to the Daily Bread, the scripture reference has been easy to write about. I must admit I have been challenged with this Revelation entry. That is, until I realized there are creative ways of looking at these words.

I have never really thought of myself as an accomplished author, but I have found a certain sense of creativity in the beautiful mind-pictures of the natural world. We have the potential for creating a new earth every day in the recesses of our mind. It is simply the presence of joy realized in meandering on a forest path to find inspiration in a cathedral of majestic trees and blue sky, to listen to the choir of feathered voices wafting on the whisper of a breeze filtering through the trees.

During spring each year the natural world around us comes alive anew. The old world, last year’s plants, have responded to their genetic expression and have given us a garden of beauty (and effort when it comes to mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges). Likewise, members of the animal kingdom have given birth to a new generation destined to respond to the life given them, the result of their internal directives.

I have found pleasure in recounting these miracles of creation and creating a new story of life and enjoyment in the natural world. I am grateful that our faith community has given me numerous opportunities to paint the mind-pictures in words of new understanding and insights into the beautiful natural world.

We are given the responsibility, as a member of earth’s community, to care for the new life unfolding each year and given to us as stewards of sacred earth. May you find joy in responding to the inner urges to create a new story of life, responding to the Good Spirit that challenges us to seek new horizons of our being; to be aware of new beauty around us, often taken for granted; and see promise in thoughts and ideas that create a larger picture of a wholeness called spirituality. There’s a whole new world out there. Happy exploring.

Prayer Phrase

“…he has given us a new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).

Forgiveness

Sit in silence, releasing all thoughts. At the end of the silence, say a prayer of gratitude. Now, think of something you have not forgiven, perhaps an action by a family member or a member of your congregation. As you hold that thought, breathe in deeply. With each breath, whisper “God, open my heart.” Do this “breath prayer” seven times, remembering that Jesus asks us to forgive “seventy times seven.” Throughout the day, take time to practice the exercise, always saying, “God, open my heart.”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.