A Letter to Us from Eight Centuries Ago

April 22, 2022
Owl Feather Farm, San Juan Island

What would our lives be without the trillions of other beings with whom we share this planet?
Dog and horse in garden

Bleu and Cocoa helping in the garden

Actually, without our fellow Earthians, there’d be no human life, though many 21st century people seem to think we can throw it all away, heap trash and poison on it, and “live” digitally. Future generations will see how well that works.
For now, on this Earth Day let’s take a moment to appreciate and bless the creatures who enrich our lives—the animals around us. Our pets, yes; but also the birds and wild creatures who sing and play and prowl and dance beside us. A wise elder long ago left us his message about these beings. Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, urged us to honor all living things—our brothers and sisters—as equal parts of Creation.
The prayer often said in Francis’ name is:
Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless these beings. By the power of your love, enable them to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!

Amen to that, from deep in the past to far in the future—the
healing power of all life.

-Eric Lucas

A Letter to Us from Eight Centuries Ago

Our little fox Star also liked to help in the garden

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