How Could You Be Greener?

By Mary Demmler

Easter season has come and gone, and we have celebrated Pentecost Sunday in style, with lots of red worn, laughs shared, new members baptized, and food eaten.  Now we begin the long period known as “Ordinary Time” that fills the rest of our liturgical calendar.  This is the season when we wear green every Sunday and wear it for so long that we begin to think green is the permanent liturgical color for the Episcopal Church.

As we enter into this season of green in the life of the church, the world outside is now full-swing into its own green season.  If you haven’t taken a walk or a hike lately, or even looked out of your window, then you might have missed that green is everywhere!  The trees are in their full-regalia, covering the South in a wide array of greens, from the darkest forest green to the bright chartreuse.  No one does summer like the South and when you’re in it, you can’t help but notice the beauty of God’s creation and give thanks for being a part of it.

Why not consider having a “green season” of your own this summer?  All of creation, everything under the heavens (even the heavens themselves!) is a gift from God and that includes the lush green trees and beautiful flowers and fresh tomatoes and corn we enjoy all summer.  When God gives us a gift, it is for us to enjoy but also to use responsibly and with a mind to how we can best share that give with others.  In the case of creation, we are required to be mindful stewards so that gift can be shared with generations to come.

How can you be a better steward of this beautiful earth?  How could you be “greener” this summer?  Is there a way you could use less energy or reduce your waste?  I’m not asking for you to run out and renovate your home or sell you car and commit to walking everywhere you go.  I do ask that you consider one or two small things you could do to reduce your negative impact on our ecology.  Every small thing we do can make a big difference over time.  Try switching from a disposable razor to a reusable one.  Unplug your phone charger when you’re not using it.  Switch a couple of your light bulbs to CFLs.  Plant a garden or at least a tomato plant or two in containers on your porch. 

I hope this green season brings lots of joy for you as you take advantage of God’s creation and get out in it this summer.  May you find some small ways to be better stewards of that gift so that our brothers and sisters to come can enjoy it as we do!

The Rev. Mary R.H. Demmler is rector of St. Matthias’, Toccoa. She wrote this for her parish newsletter, The Messenger.