Living Ethically In The Modern WorldSample

Living in the inner city, I love getting out to the countryside and reminding myself of what the sky looks like. A self-confessed Instagram addict, as soon as I’m out in the fields or walking along the beach, I’m snapping away, trying to capture the vista. When I am somewhere exceptionally beautiful, I find myself trying to absorb every detail, to hold in my mind that particular shape of mountain or shade of the sea or cloud formation. That way, I can carry the beauty back with me to my small apartment and conjure it up when the concrete jungle gets a bit much.    It seems impossible to imagine the emptiness that existed before creation; and yet so possible to ignore its daily wonders. I have to leave the city behind me to connect with creation, the land which God formed from darkness which keeps me alive. I have to remind myself that everything I eat, what I drink, the air I breathe all comes from the earth, because it’s too easy to believe that my fruit and vegetables come from the supermarket, water comes from the tap and clothes from the store. I forget that seeds have been planted, crops pulled out of the ground; then stored, preserved and packaged before they get anywhere near a supermarket.   As much as I love the countryside, the truth is I tend to forget the earth is sacred and sustaining, precious and in need of protection. In fact, I use and consume it, trample over it, without taking the time to consider what impact my actions have.    As God’s creation formed in all its meticulous glory, he saw that it was good. Today, why not take time out to look up to the sky, or across that field, or take a slow walk to ponder the birds. Thank God for the wonder of his creation, and ask what else could you do to reconnect with the very thing which gives you life.