The View from Here

by Rev. Adam Blons, Lead Minister

I walk my dogs on basically the same route every day--down the same streets, by the same houses, under the same trees. Some might think that sounds boring. It is true that my mind often wanders, especially while I am listening to a podcast or audiobook.  

But one of the things I love about taking the same path is that I sometimes witness changes. New gardens are planted. Flowers bloom. Houses change color. Earlier this week, the dogs and I were approaching a busy street where we always have to stop and wait for the cars. Right there, next to us, I noticed this huge mushroom had grown overnight (pictured below). I believe it is called Chicken of the Woods. It is amazing how this dinner plate-sized fungi suddenly sprang up along my path.  

This mushroom brought to mind something from Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass. Kimmerer is an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, and learned that her people have a specific word for "the force which causes mushrooms to push up from the earth overnight." (p.49) The word is puhpowee. I am grateful for the acknowledgement of this force because it reminds me that I experience God in the unseen forces at work in creation. 1 Corinthians 3:7 reminds us that it is God who gives the growth.  

We start Creation Season this Sunday, a time to reflect on our Christian call to care for the Earth. That care begins with awe at the beauty and power around and under us.  What have you noticed lately?