Sept. 5, 2005
On Reordering Priorities
As I see it the most challenging national demand after Katrina is how willing we are to reorder our priorities as persons and as a nation in this our "we are free to do as we please under the law" nation. This hurricane is only the latest warning sign that has come to us that our world cannot continue to live as it has if we are to survive. How do we consider the effects of our actions on the environment which is a world wide problem and responsibility? They tell us that one of the reasons for the massive destruction in New Orleans was the loss of the marshland south of the city.
What does this tell us about the creeping destruction of acres of the most productive land from cultivation without a long term understanding of how much will be needed for future generations?
Is it possible to think about the disposal of the materials we create after their useful life is gone before we begin to use the product in the first place? In our area there is no reasonable way to dispose of the batteries, printer cartridges, out of date computers and TV's etc that are an increasing problem. Is the best way to highlight this need a way to build into the initial cost of a product the disposal cost as well? How can we really become a recycling reuse nation and really take the need seriously? Too much of the plastic that packages so many of our products is difficult to open in the first place and then we have no way to get rid of it without burning or landfill again postponing the problem for someone else to solve.
Nuclear power would solve a great many of our energy woes if we could get rid of the waste. Let's put a national emphasis on this opportunity with as much energy and resource as we put into going to the moon.
Jesus tells me to deny self, take up cross daily (not once), follow him. It all begins with the word deny. I am struck by the English translation of the Greek word. My concordance says the word means "to deny utterly." You can't hold anything back. It concludes with follow him in service to all of his creation. This hurts but it must be done.
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