Several years ago, at a Dial Hope Event, we had astronaut and artist Nicole Stott come to speak. She was absolutely inspiring! In addition to flying on the Space Shuttle, Nicole spent 3 months onboard the International Space Station. She told us that looking back at the view of our planet from outer space was breathtaking. This view also made it clear that in so many ways, our life as human beings is shared… We are tied together in more ways than we can ever begin to imagine. And before we are any other label, truly we are all earthlings.  

I love that. Earthlings. Whatever else divides us, we share this one beautiful, fragile home.

All of this reminds me of that beloved passage of scripture from John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” Notice John did not write, “For God so loved the Presbyterians…” Nor did he write, “For God so loved the liberals.” Or, for God so loved the conservatives.” No. John writes, for God so loved… the world…. 

As those who follow Jesus, may we find ways to love the world as he loved it.  

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, for creating this beautiful planet on which we live and make our way through life together. We thank you for science and the ability to glimpse our world from your perspective. Above all, we thank you for your love for each and every one of us. Help us to accept that love and share it. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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