Today the world celebrates Ecology Day. There will be articles on Global Warming, on conserving our natural resources, of enjoying the world in which we live. It’s good for us to remind our children to value what we often take for granted.

When I give my children gifts, I think of what will make them happy. I ask them what they want. I shop to get the best product for the best value or spend hours designing and making their special gift. I watch with anticipation as they unwrap their presents, look for the light in their eyes, their reaction of delight and wait for the hugs and kisses. Two weeks later, I can no longer make any demands on this gift I spent all my energy selecting and giving. My child is now the owner. He or she now chooses to guard, use, abuse or even neglect my gift.

I thought of this as I thought of the gift the Lord gave us – our world. God’s pronouncement on what He created was, “It is good!” After He created man and woman, He exclaimed, “It is very good!” God gave man this indescribable gift and He immediately turned ownership over to man by bringing him the animals to name, the fruit to eat, the land to cultivate. In a very real sense, God has transferred the control of His creation to us.

Gifts often come with instruction manuals. The maker knows the limitations and potential of the product. God too has given us a manual with interesting insights into this world He is allowing us to take ownership of. Do we encourage our children to read the Owner’s Manual?” Do we take time, ourselves, to read the Owner’s Manual?” The Psalms especially shout God’s joy over His creation and even how His creation joys in her Creator.

¡Aclamen alegres al SEÑOR, habitants de toda la tierra!

¡Prorrumpan en alegres canticos y salmos!

¡Canten salmos al SEÑOR al son del arpa,

Al son del arpa y de soros melodiosos!

¡Aclamen alegres al SEÑOR, el Rey,

Al son de clarines y prometas!

¡Bramen el mar y todo lo que el contiene;

El mundo y todos sus habitantes!

¡Batan palmas los rios,

Y canten jubilosos todos los montes!

On this day in which we celebrate this incredible gift God has given us, let’s promise ourselves and our children to open the Owner’s Manual and discover some of the joys the Creator has in His gift.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.