When I was getting a degree in Religion in college, most of my time was spent studying other faith traditions. One of my first introductory courses to college was a class called “Engaged Buddhism.” There are many things I remember about that class, including when we convinced our professor to let us do our opening meditation lying down until one of my classmates fell asleep…once they started snoring, she was less fond of letting us do that…although, in our defense, we were in a room with the lights turned low at 8:00 A.M. But, probably more importantly, I remember learning so much about the concept of mindfulness. From practicing mindful eating in our dining hall, where we all had to sit there during class eating and not talking to anyone (an extremely challenging time, one in which we had many conversations with our friends to assure them that we weren’t mad at them when we seemingly gave them the cold-shoulder) to engaging in mindfulness walks where we would take time to simply pay attention to what is happening all around us, we were asked to try embodying the world in so many ways that were different from the “typical” college experience. It’s something I’m still extremely grateful for, as it still influences my spiritual practices. Like how I am trying to take a few moments most mornings to observe the growth in my garden to help center myself before I dive into my work for the day.
Now, I will also admit that my yet-to-be diagnosed ADHD brain often struggled when it came to mindfulness and meditation. This is where grace for ourselves, and patience, come in too. These practices are not about perfection, but about opening ourselves up to expand our understanding of how we are interconnected with all of creation. To put it in the context of our readings for today, it helps us recall the Genesis story, in which humans are actually only a small part, not even the main focal point, as we often want to make ourselves. It takes a lot of time and practice to decenter our fully anthropocentric view of the world. Often, it’s humans that get in the way of that too, whether it be ourselves or others. For example, this week, I heard some fascinating bird calls from outside of our house. Except, when I tried to use my bird identification app (yes, I know the jokes about turning 30 and suddenly being into birding), there was too much traffic noise, so it couldn’t hear the sounds properly. The only bird it identified was a crow, but I could identify that one myself, especially since this was the one who has claimed our front bird bath as his own…
So, today, as we honor the first Creation in Christ Sunday, I am going to possibly push us out of our comfort zones a little bit. Because this day isn’t about being another Earth Day, which while important can sometimes lead to humanity centering ourselves as the “Savior” of creation, even as it is our actions that have caused much of the harm in the first place. It is about witnessing God’s creating and salvific action toward all of creation, of which we are but a part, since the very beginning. From the ant moving across the sidewalk to the birds singing in the trees, we are surrounded by so much life that we often take for granted in the busyness of our lives.
Today, then, it feels wrong for us to simply sit in here while I tell you all about what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do regarding the work of creation. Instead, I want us to spend a few moments practicing some of the mindfulness that I was taught in the beginning of my college days. This will look different for all of us, as some of you may choose to walk around part of the yard, while others may choose to bring a chair outside and sit for a few moments. I want it to be something that meets the needs of our bodies, as those are wonderfully created by God too! Who knows, maybe this will turn into a new spiritual practice for you too, or deepen one that already exists in your life.
Unlike my college days though, I want to recognize that a part of our interconnectedness is our relationship with other humans, so if you and someone else want to observe together and celebrate with joy or curiosity what you are witnessing, that is wonderful too! We are going to spend about 5-7 minutes outside now; for any of you participating at home, I invite you to do the same. This is not a practice that is about perfection, but about leaning into the joy and awe that we were created to embody as well, as we take time to dwell in the Word in a slightly different way today, dwelling in what we heard again this morning, our story of creation, through the Word; a creation that was called not just good, but very good, ט֖וֹב מְאֹ֑ד (tov meod). A creation that is embodied and active all around us!
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Sunday August 30th, 2026 Worship