For Now: Implications for Christian Climate Concerns (4 of 4)

23 Sep, 2011

As the constantly shifting fronts of darkness and light pause in equilibrium, I turn my head to each camp and seek out their virtues. The even days are cool and clear with enough light to manage our tasks but not enough to bring heat or boredom. The equi nights, too, are cool and clear, and their stars seem welcome to my waking gaze.

The evenness of daylight and darkness does not extend to our habits. We participate in both love and suffering, but their shifting quantities have no equilibrium. To sway the balance in favor of the former, we have to seek out the source of all love. When we know that we are loved, we can extend that love to others.

I had the pleasure of crossing the Nebraska Sandhills. This region covers over a quarter of Nebraska. Perhaps more importantly, it sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer. If that name sounds familiar, you might recognize it from the Keystone XL pipeline discussion. This is the large body of fresh water that provides over 20% of the irrigation for our nation's farmland. The proposed pipeline would go over this fragile area. While travelling through the region, I've learned how opposed folks are to the pipeline, which is common knowledge and a frequent topic of discussion.

Helpful knowledge around these parts.

In the case of racial tensions in South Dakota, that love is most apparent in interaction. Love of neighbor requires interaction. It requires conversation and active listening. Where I found people who openly and regularly interacted the cultural “other,” there I found the subtle hues of understanding canvassing the monotony of ignorance.

From the town of Long Pine, I headed south down a gravel road through the Sandhills. It was an adventure whose solitude outweighed its difficulty. Barely.

The good road.

Cycling through sand is less than fun. The audio for this might have a parent advisory notice on it.

Sign near the end of my ride: Skull and Bloody Valleys. Very welcoming.

Done with the Sand Hills. Success!

This lesson applies to climate concerns as well. If so-called environmentalists never talk to their opposition, they will neither learn from them nor convince them of anything. If Christians stay wrapped in internal debate, they deny their purpose. If we allow the growing effects of climate change to pass while we grip to notions of liberal and conservative or Democrat and Republican, we will fail the interests of all. There is no love without dialogue. Love is exchange. It requires risking who we’ve been for who we can be. Though I shake in my shoes at the notion, give me the latter.

Until we meet again
more open to dialogue
than we thought possible.

 

Ga' bles us, everyone!