Reading 7 Response

Read both articles and respond with your opinions about environmentalism

I feel so enlightened about the articles I read. As a latter-day saint, I can identify with the other feelings that members explain. As an artist, I feel so aware of the materials and paper I use, throw away, and store. A part of me feels responsible for how I handle the materials I use, but another part of me doesn't want to be associated with the political aspects of environmentalism.

These readings gave me so much valuable insight about caring for our earth and for prioritizing how I care about it. It's a good reminder that the Earth is alive and we are assigned to be stewards over nature - meaning that we take care of it, not just have a degree of control over it. The Earth is part of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation. It played a part in the preexistence, lives in a fallen state with us, and will be completely and totally affected by the resurrection.

It's so interesting, yet perplexing, at times to consider that the Earth has a spirit. It is not that different from us - an organism created to have a physical body, has a spirit, is composed of many other small parts that grow and live on their own, and even can feel joy, sorrow, and anger.  It even has a need for the atonement, for resurrection. One of the articles say that the earth feels sorrow due to the wickedness of mankind. It also has to deal with pollution and climate change. Honestly it doesn't sound that different from when we are infected with disease, sickness, and even sin. 

I first gained appreciation for the world when I was young. My family took me to parks quite often. We would go for walks, sometimes with our dogs. I also played outdoor soccer. After a hard practice or game, I loved laying in the grass and meditating about the world around me. I've always loved going on hikes. Some hikes have end points where you can admire a great red arch, a waterfall, a lake or spring, etc. I think it's important to take in the beauty of a hike even as you travel it.

The Earth has every right to exist, just as we do. One of the articles emphasized even appreciating the smallest vegetable (which makes me want to waste less food too!)

While it would be interesting and advantageous to hear environmental discussion during general conference, I agree that it would be better to integrate environmental concern through Sunday School.  I see many benefits - better preservation for our Earth, appreciation for Heavenly Father's plan, a greater desire to be outside and spend less time with technology - television, computers, video games, etc.