Biophilia

After worship yesterday a group of about seventy people of all ages, including thirty or so children, made a trip to the last family farm in our congregation. It was a glorious day, so we could sit outside and munch on hotdogs and chat away.

The owner of the farm took a passle of kids down by the creek to plant cedar trees. Then they explored along the water's edge, watching the suckers making their way upstream and generally getting dirty. For me, seeing these children so happy out-of-doors was a holy moment.

In his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder Richard Louv explores the essential need of children to be outside to develop a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. It's often said that we are inclined to protect what we love and Louv's contention that "biophilia" -- love of nature -- is developed in our earliest years. http://www.cnaturenet.org/

It was a great way to spend part of the Earth Sunday afternoon, with enjoyable folk who represented three generations. I consider myself blessed to be part of this Christian community.