SEASON OF CREATION - 1

SEASON OF CREATION

I’VE HAD ENOUGH… 

When it comes to love for nature—especially during this monthlong Season of Creation—I’m tired of always having to start with that ever-growing list of everything that’s going wrong in terms of climate, the environment, war, and peace. It takes so much energy out of me! Getting annoyed at climate deniers, oil barons, corrupt politicians, and misleading information—it drains all my energy and courage. Even numbers, no matter how large, affect me less and less.  Images of the suffering of people, animals, and plants only make me sadder. 

SO WHAT DOES HELP ME? 

That has become the big question for me. 

I’m becoming increasingly convinced that it’s especially the things I’m personally involved in—the things I love, the things I truly care about—that give me the energy and enthusiasm to commit to a cause. That’s where an important key lies for me: I need to feel involved. It has to move me. Otherwise, it just rolls off me. That starts very close to home, in my own daily life and circumstances.That’s where I find my sources of energy. 

For example, I notice that something changes inside me when I take the time to do something calmly and carefully. When I don’t decide right away, but take a little longer to think it over. When I take a moment to look a little longer at the plants I care for, speak to them kindly, and above all… listen to them. Then something happens. It’s as if they gain a voice and have something to say to me. As if they’re appealing to me—appealing to the good and positive in me, to the joy within me. I’m allowed to care for them, I’m allowed to do that task calmly and well, I’m allowed to give that person a thoughtful answer. You could say: It’s not so much about duty, but much more about an invitation, an opportunity, a space that’s been offered to me. 

IT PAYS OFF IN ITS OWN RIGHT 

Curiously enough, that engagement turns out to be its own reward. Put simply, it puts me in a good mood. I feel calmer and more relaxed. I become more receptive to all the good things that are happening in the meantime—things I normally overlook and that the media rarely draws my attention to. Pausing a little longer to reflect on a message. Taking a moment to look at something I’m working on. Giving it a little more attention. And suddenly, something that seemed insignificant or just routine turns out to be important, valuable, more interesting than I thought, more fascinating... 

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These are just a few initial thoughts and experiences, offered as a modest guide to experiencing the Season of Creation in a meaningful and encouraging way. 

Next week, I hope to explore this further, because, evidently, not only experiences but also questions arise… 

By the way: Do you recognize this in yourself as well? Do you have an example ? Let me know !   There’s nothing more beautiful than enriching one another! 


 Johan Muijtjens
September 2, 2026