Small Actions

Blessings to you in these seasons of Advent and Christmas. I hope this season and His coming bring you joy!

Big black clouds are rolling in, obscuring the Tetons, and as I write this I’m looking out my office window at a skiff of snow, leaf-bare crabapple trees in front of Hansen Hall, one tree still laden with heavy red fruit. I’m warm, I’m dry, and I’m grateful. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful day, but it’s a rare day in Jackson Hole that I don’t have this feeling.

We are so blessed to live here, in all this stunning natural beauty. Living here gives me a strong sense of God’s goodness, and the wonder of creation, and today I’m struck by a sense of responsibility to care for, nurture, and protect this world, this gift. As our Eucharistic Prayer says, this is our island home.

We humans have made comfortable, convenient lives for ourselves, and the earth has often suffered as a result. I’ve got to admit that sometimes I feel discouraged about the ways we’ve harmed our planet, but I’ve made a commitment not to let discouragement overpower hope. One way I’ve found to keep hope alive is through action.

I find that small actions are the best I can do, and as an Advent practice I’d like to encourage you all to take some small steps in helping to care for the earth. My current focus is trying to limit my purchase of single use plastic. And it’s hard! If you love yogurt, or leafy greens, or steaks, or fizzy water or (fill in the blank), you know what I’m talking about. Seems like everything I buy comes encased in a piece of plastic that I throw away. A little forethought and a little inconvenience can make a small difference, and lots of small differences can add up. That’s my hope.

We are taking small steps here at St. John’s to reduce our impact on God’s creation, and you’ll hear about what we are doing in the coming weeks. We’d love to hear stories about your efforts, too. This church is full of creative and energetic people, and together we can make a difference.

Small things can have big impact! Remember that little baby, born a couple thousand years ago in Bethlehem, wrapped in bands of cloth, laid in a manger, because there was no room at the inn? Of course you do. We’ll be celebrating his birthday soon. Think of the impact he made. Imagine the good we can do, together.

Blessings,

Brian