
But later as I drive into the nearby city and see the boarded up stores, the dilapidated buildings, and the weed covered lots, I wonder why powerful businessmen and developers never see the obvious. Why do they want to continue to create an ever larger suburban sprawl when the charm and character of what is left behind could be so readily used and made to flourish. Why do we need to continue our destruction of the earth, a place which is supposed to be our home? Isn't home a place you want to take care of and nurture?
It's not just here in Florida, it's everywhere. But living in a state approaching twenty million residents, with existing empty land approved to triple the population before the century is out and the obvious nature of our water shortage, which is already being felt, it makes me wonder if we have just lost our minds. Of course, politicians want growth and progress, they can't always tell you what they mean by that, but that's what they say.
Meanwhile our education system deteriorates despite the money we throw at it, trees and wetlands are destroyed, and every new neighborhood created looks alike. Big or small, rich or modest, you can't tell whether you are in Miami, Jacksonville, Atlanta or Charlotte, at least not from the building style. And progress, well one man's progress is another man's disaster.
Politicians come and go, wars end and new ones start, and people go around in a daze rushing about and never stopping to think what for. There's an easy answer, folks. It's God; if we'd just put Him first, we'd do the right thing for ourselves and for others. I mean, really, He gave us a beautiful earth to enjoy but to also nurture.
When we leave our human wreckage everywhere in the form of boarded up buildings, deserted places, destroyed natural wonders such as clear, fresh springs becoming polluted, or beautiful mountains destroyed in mining operations, isn't their a better way. And of even more serious note, what about the ruined minds and bodies of those who have been abused and neglected as well as the maimed soldiers who come home only to be shunned by a corrupt and faulty support system which turns so many of our heroes into empty shells of themselves where once life brought hope and joy. There must be a better way and there is.
Once again, it's God. He can heal the earth over time, but He can't heal a lost soul, or one who has put in place a value structure that does not allow an eternal life unless each individual makes the right choices with and for Him. Let's look deep within ourselves this Sunday and find our purpose, a purpose meant to be used for Him, and put it to work in love of others as He commands. For all the money and riches in the world are just a pittance to what He can offer. And all of those other things we can't take with us, but with God, we can keep Him at our center forever and all the troubles and cares of the world will no longer be an issue.
Let's call out to Him for that better way, He'll show us how, and watch how we can change the world and help her people and her physical scars and abuse heal. All we have to do is start living in His image. Let's try it, I think we will all be divinely surprised.