Three parishioners have asked me to remind readers to make sure that none of their trees has its crown covered by ivy. Should this be the case, the leaves of the tree will be unable to photosynthesise the sunshine and make the sugars for its fruits or nuts.
For three years I have used a small Stihl battery saw with an eight-inch chain to solve the problem, at least until the ivy grows again. This regular activity is part of our Biblical stewardship of nature because, although the ivy itself is not parasitic, if left untended for too long, it will kill a tree by suffocation or by providing a green sail for the winter wind. Trees, of course, are home for many creatures when alive, and other organisms when dead.
The bible sees management of creation as a part of our Stewardship of the earth, but I do wonder if roadside litter is a result of people’s ignorance of stewardship. Especially, as it is one of the first responsibilities’ given to us in the first chapter of the first book in the bible. Genesis.
I do know however that there is a correlation between poor stewards and more litter, and so do not expect the proposed so-called garden village of Glynchbrook adjacent to Redmarley, to reduce this unsightly feature of our hedgerows.
Additionally, the Bible sees Stewardship as also involving our relationship with each other. It is this thought which encourages me to help newcomers especially those with city or urban backgrounds, to understand that in the countryside the pattern of our lives is set by the annual seasons. This is particularly true for those with animals such as livestock and chickens. Of equal importance is the daily cycle from sunup to sundown which varies within the annual seasonal calendar.
Evening and night-time are cherished as a natural phenomenon by our personal body clock. This means intrusive bright outside lighting is an unwelcome negative influence on nature’s natural ambience for animals and rural neighbours, so please do turn all outside lights off ASAP. There is nothing to fear from darkness itself.
For rurally experienced people, glaring lights, replacing hedges with brick walls and urban high gates can be understood as an unwillingness to share in the stewardship of an area’s natural beauty, balance, and fecundity.
Thirty-five plus years of night vigils during the lambing season prove, that a flashlight is rarely needed to walk up the hill and then around the sheds amongst our sheep. Pitch darkness is virtually unknown in our or any rural area.
Now for a change in topic. I have always written this column in the spirit of one who is mystified by most he has seen. Also, as one who believes that all humanity is one race, that the one race was created in the image of God and that as individuals every one of us is a fallen creature. This makes us all equal in God’s eyes as sinners, despite us being made as spiritual beings in his image.
If litter bothers us, we can be sure that our creator is troubled when we neglect our responsibilities as stewards of the earth, and even more troubled when we neglect each other.
The power of self interest can be proven every time we ask, “Why am I thinking about doing this”? and then realise that most of our actions are grounded in self-interest, rather than in an honest, genuine feeling of ‘good’ for someone else.
Focussing on Self instead of another person, sparks my impish mind to look at the contradiction behind my Egotism on the one hand and Humility on the other. The modern obsession with ‘Self,’ in which we yearn to hear that “We are Unique,” makes us feel great until humility reminds us that the same is true for everyone else. The same, but unique to God, figure that one out!
View from the Pew 