I didn’t post my usual Thursday evening blog, because I was waiting for the Word Smith to send what He wanted me to share. He sent a dramatic two-fold message yesterday around 3:30 p.m: grace and stewardship. I was taking my granddaughter, who had graduated from Huguenot High School on Wednesday, to dinner and then we were going to see the play Choices at Henderson Middle School.  As I was traveling along Ironbridge Road, near the Reservoir, a deer came out of nowhere. I hit and killed it.  Had I been traveling at a faster speed, or had I been a second or two early the deer would have broadsided my car on the driver’s side. With the force with which the deer hit, it would surely have come through my window!  By the Grace of God my granddaughter and I were not hurt! 

    When the police officer asked if my car was damaged, I couldn’t tell her right away. I was not focused on my car at all. When I did get the strength to get out of the car to survey the damage, I found it was extensive.  One of the lessons learned from the accident is that car parts can be easily replaced, animal habitats can’t.

    The accident has shaken me to my very core, for it brought up concerns about the environment that my grandchildren have been discussing with me recently. They are worried about where their drinking water will come from in twenty years.  They are concerned about the destruction of wildlife habitats.  They worry about fuel costs and sources. I’m worried for my grandchildren and all grandchildren everywhere.  Twenty-four hours after the accident I am still weeping…not about the car, but over what poor stewards we are of this beautiful planet.

  As green spaces continue to give way to “progress,” perhaps we should ask: What price are we willing to pay for another mall, another subdivision, another golf course…?  What responsibility do the communities of faith have in stemming the tide?  Our grandchildren deserve answers.