It is good, Pt. 1

Genesis 1:1-5 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

What does it mean that God saw that the light was good?

What does it mean that God declares creation good?

Lately it is easy to look at creation and see the bad.  To see terrorism and violence everywhere: against women and children and against the "other."  To see the earth's resources be plundered for industry and personal gain.

To read of fracking and drought and floods and changing climate.

To know that sometimes it is because of my own personal gain that resources are plundered.

And to that end, God says creation is good.

Does it ever change how I think about my daily use of creation to know that God thinks its good?

How do I protect that goodness?

How do I make sure I see the goodness of creation always?

It's important, I think, to know creation is good so that we don't get caught up with worrying so much about "heaven" that we forget God's love for earth: that we see, truly see, the goodness right in front of us, even when that sight seems blurred by ugliness and hopelessness.

God of creation, you have declared this world good.  Help us to affirm that goodness every day and in every way.  Amen.