For the beauty of creation – Litter Skeet?

Spring has finally arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador! Amid all the revelry, the days of sun (which have changed to RDF – Rain, Drizzle, Fog) the ugly reality of a harsh winter and human laziness has been revealed. No matter where you go, there is evidence of litter, of mess, of carelessness and the hurting of creation. In the St. John’s region, a controversial marketing approach has lots of people chatting about the concern that is present for creation, for human wastage, and responsibility.

In order to  fully appreciate the nuances of the marketing campaign, one must be versed in Newfoundland dialect, be a faithful reader of The Dictionary of Newfoundland English, or be an avid Republic of Doyle fan.

Skeets – Wow – Strong words and imagery, that remind us that even those who are portrayed most innocently may have an ugly reality lurking in the background.

I was pondering the debate concerning Litterskeets a couple of weeks ago, as I took my first stab at clearing the garden after our hard winter. With each negative thought concerning the ads and their message, I realized the kinds of junk and refuse that I collect, both in my backyard (hidden the winter under lily-white snow) and in the forgotten corners of my psyche, my relationships with God and others, the things which the book of common prayer so aptly pens “things done, and things left undone.”

There is no doubt, whether it is the highways or the backyards of this province, there are things done, and left undone, that affect God’s beautiful creation.

How can we sing hymns extolling the beauty of creation, the goodness of all that God has given us, while degrading it each and every step of the way?

How do we deal as well, with the destructive ways that human interaction produces closet skeletons, bad taste, hurt feelings, and broken relationships, as we litter the world with actions and words – both omitted and committed?

I hope and pray that as we explore creation this spring, and begin to care and consider the litter of the world, we take the time to ponder an inward inventory as well.