God looked at what he had done. All of it was very good! Evening came, then morning—that was the sixth day. – Genesis 1:31

There are probably a dozen good reasons to get up just a little before the sun, but for me it’s all about setting the day in its proper perspective. The world is dark, but then morning begins to spill in from the east and pretty soon there is a torrent of light, flooding our community with newness and possibility.

Max and I have a number of different routes for our walk, but we try to make our way down by the Tar River at least once a week. It is especially interesting now with the ongoing construction project in full swing.

I love the juxtaposition of the natural world and the heavy equipment; trees and water – steel and concrete. I think these images say a lot about who we are and how we live.

I understand that this is not “unspoiled nature…” and we should all be concerned when it comes to the environment and our impact on it as human beings. We continue to take too many reckless liberties with this beautiful planet and we must – at the level of government and policy – make more informed and responsible choices that reflect better stewardship.

Because as human beings we are both “indigenous” to Planet Earth but also an “invasive species,” defined as spreading rapidly, reducing biodiversity, destroying habitats and causing ecological harm…

Finding the right balance:

Our challenge is to find the right balance and – this is important – to constantly question ourselves lest we destroy our own home.

Which brings me back to the riverfront project – which I love, by the way – and why the imagery is potentially so powerful. We have this ability to wield tremendous power via massive cranes and heavy equipment and explosives that can literally move mountains build dams and re-route rivers…

But then a hurricane will come along or sometimes just sustained rains – or an earthquake – and it will change everything.

I believe that it is when we pay attention that we are more likely to get it right, when we cooperate, when we keep things in perspective, when we remember that this world is not a take-what-we-want discount store but our home and a trust from the Creator.

So take a stroll down by the river and check out what we are up to as a community. But let’s hold ourselves to account while we are at it (and you may want to take a bag with you and pick up trash on your way).

Let’s all work to be better stewards of this beautiful place. And let’s be grateful too. Let it not be said “that’s why they can’t have nice things…”

– DEREK