Celebrating the Wonder of Creation

by Lori Wilson

This past month, we've been celebrating the Season of Creation. You might have experienced new forms of prayer, spent time with Genesis 1 and 2, and lingered on that profound line: "And God said, it is good!"

I find myself reflecting on the beauty of this world and some of my favorite things—whales gracefully moving through ocean depths, giraffes stretching toward acacia trees, any kind of body of water that calls me to stillness, my peace plant reaching toward the light, and bamboo swaying in the breeze. I savor the taste of watermelon and berries, and yes, even Brussels sprouts.

I linger on what it felt like to hike the Blue Ridge Mountains, where every vista opened like a prayer, to walk the dunes of Lake Michigan with sand between my toes, to climb Mt. Cristo Rey (and discover that that mountain is really rock—who knew!). I remember snowstorms that transformed the world into hushed cathedral silence, rainstorms that drummed life into the earth, and cool fall days when pulling on a sweater feels like receiving an embrace.

God has gifted us with such a planet—diverse landscapes, ever-changing weather, and an intricate web of life that speaks of divine creativity and abundance. This awareness of beauty has become a call to responsibility. I've been called to change my habits: using bamboo toilet paper and paper towels, switching to washing machine soap sheets, and driving a hybrid car. These small acts flow from a deeper truth—I want this planet to thrive for the next seven generations. I'm trying to do my little part to help, knowing that love of creation naturally leads to care for creation.

As we move into October, I'm reminded of St. Francis, that great lover of creation who called the sun his brother and the moon his sister. I'd like to share this beautiful version of the Prayer of St. Francis created by a dear friend. I helped with the video, and it captures something of how prayer and creation dance together in our spiritual lives.

For Your Reflection

• What in creation most consistently draws you into a sense of wonder and praise? Take time to notice what stops you in your tracks, what makes you catch your breath with gratitude.

• How is your love for creation calling you to act differently? Listen for the gentle invitations arising from your heart as you contemplate the gift of this earth we share.

• Where do you hear God speaking through the natural world around you? Consider keeping a creation journal this month, noting the ways the divine whispers through wind, water, growing things, and changing seasons.