The Oasis - July 31, 2019

Rev. Estelle Margarones

Over July 4th, I spent a few days with family in Old Orchard Beach. All three of my sisters were there and we had a nice visit. I'm an “early to bed and early to rise” type, so while everyone else was still sleeping, I took a long walk on the beach.

I didn't take a trash bag with me, but I should have. Within my first three steps off the boardwalk, I found 6 metal sparklers in the sand. A little bit further, I stumbled upon several cardboard tubes from firecrackers--and more sharp metal sparklers. All of these debris went immediately into the nearest trash barrel. I continued to walk and I continued to pick things up. All around me, there were people setting up chairs, walking near the shoreline, and tossing tennis balls to their dogs. I alone was doing a unique type of beachcombing.

As I approached The Pier, I found numerous pieces of what looked like sidewalk chalk at the low tide line. These tubular substances were the remains of fireworks. Handful after handful, I made a giant pile. Then I took 5 long trips from the low tide shore line up to the barrel near the amusements.

During this impromptu beach cleanup, I also came across several insects struggling in shallow pools and being carried out to sea by the tide. I did what I could for a moth, two flies, and a beetle. I have to hope that some of them made it and that the others went to their reward knowing that someone had tried to help them.

As I walked home, I wondered, “Am I the only one who sees these things?”, “Am I the only one who cares?” and then, “Or is it because I care that I see these things?”

Everything I do is filtered through my identity as a Christian. At the core, my theology is simply 'love'. My actions stem from Scripture: “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself” and “All things are possible with God.” I will be the first to admit, I don't always get it right, but when I fall short of my Christian 'mottos', I know it immediately and I take steps to change my behavior the next time I'm faced with a similar situation.

Is it because I care that I see certain things? Is it because I care that I perceive things in particular ways? Once I notice them, I want to share my awareness with others! The means I employ will be unique to me.. If you choose to share the things you care about, how you do so will be in ways unique to you.
 
Do you have a piece of Scripture that you live by? What would your Christian slogan be? Just for today, could you try to espouse that statement and let it be reflected in all that you think, say, and do?

How can you share those things that are important to you? How can you educate others and enlist their help? How will you work with others for the greater good?

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? To do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

Genesis 1:26 Let us make humankind in our image, in our likeness, and let them have responsibility for the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle and wild animals, over every creeping thing.