At the Donside Episcopal Churches in Aberdeenshire where I both work and worship, we’re focussing on the Creationtide theme of Justice and Peace flowing through God’s Loving Presence in the World – combining the international theme with our wish to celebrate the beauty of the earth – the positive alongside the hardship and emergency of climate change.

This week’s sub theme is Woodland – God’s gift of shelter and it has prompted me to write again for the first time in a while:

I see the leaves far above, with the twigs that hold them firm.
It’s a shelter from the strong rays of heat that parches,
a shelter too from drops of water falling heavy from above,
threatening to wash all things away in a flood.
The protection of the canopy above –
God’s shelter where life of all kinds thrives.

I see the trunk and the branches,
standing strong and steady in the forces of nature,
providing a haven for creatures great and small,
and fun for climbing creatures old and young.
And the trunk, providing pathways to feed itself and all –
God’s nourishment where life of all kinds flourishes.

I look at the floor, wondering about the parts unseen,
as glimpses of in the odd exposed root give view
to the greater support network than I can ever understand.
Providing strength, stability, food,
everything one needs to live and thrive –
God’s care to help our trees and all life flourish!

(Written 6 September, 2023)