In the book of Genesis, there are two creation stories. In chapter 1, God spends the first five days of creation fashioning the sun and moon, plants and animals. On the sixth day, God creates more animals–including human beings saying “Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness. Let them (both male and female are created simultaneously in this version) have dominion” over the rest of creation. (v. 26) That word “dominion” is an unfortunate word choice, for it has led us humans to think that we can do whatever we wanted with creation–because the Bible says we can. Isn’t that what dominion means? To rule over? To dominate? To have complete control over?
The second creaton story in chapter 2 is different. God creates the man first and puts him in a lovely garden “to cultivate and care for it.” (v. 15) How different those words are from “have dominion over.” But soon God senses Adam’s loneliness and creates for him a variety of animals, “but none proved to be a suitable partner for the man.” ( v.20) Then God gets a better idea. God creates the first woman, Eve. And I can say (with complete objectivity) that making the woman was one of God’s best ideas!
Now, where am I going with all of this? Let me begin by saying: I am one lucky woman. I live on a large piece of property (over 400 acres) that has woods, meadows, lawns, fields, lakes, hills, and even an orchard. Housed on this land are also a high school, elementary school, provincial center, retreat center, and Notre Dame Village, which consists of an 81-unit apartment building, three memory care units, and over 40 houses for senior living. But I am luckiest because I have access to the natural beauties on this land–especially the woods for which I have a particular fondness. In addition, I am still physically capable of walking into the woods for a little stroll. Best of all, I have found my very own tree stump that I can sit on and just be!
This is my point: I believe we regularly need experiences of being part of God’s vast landscapes. To experience (in the words of Father Thomas Berry) that “we are creatures not merely ON the earth, we are OF the earth.” To experience our oneness with all of creation: brother son, sister moon, cousin deer, niece chipmunk, uncle tree, mother soil. And to realize that we are called not to control and dominate our environment, but to “tend and care for it,” as Adam and Eve tended and cared for the Garden of Eden.
As soon as I sit on “my” stump in “our” woods, the magic begins to happen. I sit silent and motionless for a few moments. In other words, I become part of the landscape. Within minutes, the world of the forest comes alive. A bird alights on a tree near me. Oblivious to my presence, he begins to chirp. I hear the rustle of leaves on the forest floor, and soon I spot a black squirrel scurrying about, doing his/her urgent daily business: like foraging for a tasty acorn. I hear the chirp of a chipmunk. It is answered by another chirp, but both chirpers remain unseen. I gaze in wonder at the patches of sunlight strewn across the forest floor. I notice the tops of the trees swaying in the wind. And if it has rained recently, I can even smell the damp soil which is sustaining everything I behold–and sustaining me!
The poet Joan Mazza has written a poem called “Part of the Landscape” (from the book How to Love the World by James Crews, ed.) in which she describes sitting still on a park bench along her woodland walks. I resonate deeply with her experience. The last lines of her poem describe well what I too have experienced:
I hold still, photograph this world with just
my eyes, forget the news. My heart is here,
filled with gratitude as I fade and disappear.
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For reflection:
Do you resonate with the need to experience yourself as part of God’s vast landscapes? If so, when, where, or how do you find or nurture this experience?
What are some examples in history of we humans exerting “dominion” over creation that produced dire consequences?
What are some examples of we humans “tending and caring” for creation that produced good and beautiful consequences?
Do you have an experience of feeling part of God’s landscape that you would like to share below?
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P.S. I am mourning the loss of a dear friend, Sister Marilyn Sabatino, who went home to God quite suddenly last Friday evening. Marilyn was in my vow group of six, the oldest at age 82. She had a number of serious health issues, but she had said to several friends, “I told God I just want to live to celebrate my Diamond Jubilee (60 years). After that, I’m good to go.” We celebrated that jubilee this past summer. Last Monday, Marilyn also wrote a brief comment on this blog. She focused on two words that touched her: tenderness and loss. I now look upon these words as almost “her last will and testament” to us. Here they are: Thank you, Melannie, for today’s blog. It’s wonderful. I think that tenderness is a foundational quality. It leads to so many other human qualities like caring, love, compassion and just giving and receiving forgiveness. I was so inspired by the words about the falling leaves as an example of receiving new life from loss.” Friday evening she embraced God’s invitation to “new life”… and we who knew her so well and called her sister and friend, now mourn our “loss”… May she rest in peace. Amen.
As I mentioned, I love being in the woods–that’s because I love trees. Here’s an excerpt from a film made by National Geographic called “The Secret Life of Trees.” This excerpt is called “The Silent Friends.” This short video (less than 4 mins.) was made in Spain and it “highlights Spain’s breathtaking and diverse scenery.” The narrator speaks directly to trees. For me, her words are a love letter to trees. Some of my favorite lines are: “you have so much left to teach us… you are a shrine we visit to calm us down… you are the perfect listener… you give everything (the ripping off of the bark of the cinnamon trees is especially graphic. Such total giving–just so I can enjoy a cinnamon bun!)… I look forward to our next conversation.” Click on cc to get the captions.
(I am recommending only this video and not necessarily the others that pop up automatically after this one. Viewer discretion is advised.)
I eagerly await your comments below–on the reflection itself, the photos, or the video.
33 Responses
What a powerful reflection and video!. The video captured me with the first quote: “Trees and people used to be good friends.” May we renew our friendship with trees, Cousin Deer, Niece Chipmunk—to just name a few! We desperately need to do this. I just saw an article in my email from the Sierra club: “Earth Breaches Seventh Planetary Boundary as Oceans Become More Acidic.” That’s seven out of nine critical Earth system boundaries for supporting life. We need to wake up.
Thank you the pictures were
beautiful and the talk
I too love trees! I picked up from my travel to a national park:
Advice from a tree: Stand tall and proud. Sink your roots into the earth. Be content with your natural beauty. Drink plenty of water. Enjoy the view!
🙏
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
I have so much to say! I will start with your beautiful tribute to Sr. Marilyn. Her words in last week’s blog are beautiful! Yes, she was “good to go”!
Then there’s the video. I will watch that several times. We live because of trees. They are signs of faithful stability and purveyors of clean air. Did you know it takes a fallen redwood 400 to 800 years to decompose? Even it their death they create new eco-systems so that other species can live. Scientists who study their decomposition know they will not live to see the conclusion of their research.
Your stump: That paragraph is so perfectly written, the image of you becoming one with nature, all your senses heightened, the stillness. Lovely!.
For meditation: The acorn you hold in your hand is an oak tree that can live for hundreds of years (unless one of those squirrels gets to it first!).
Finally, a book suggestion: Richard Powers’ The Overstory. After reading it, you will love the trees you love even more!
Yes! What a great book!
Thank you again Sr. Melannie. I love being in nature, especially beaches, but I also enjoy the woods. My husband and I enjoy camping and recently went on a short trip with our daughter, son in law and three young grandchildren. It was fun to introduce the kids to a lake, hiking in the woods, and experiencing a cave tour. Very spiritual events for me!
Condolences on the loss of your friend. What a joy that she was “good to go”.
Thank you Sr. Melannie for this beautiful reflection. I live in a small, rural village and see deer and other creatures as I walk our little dog.
So sorry for your loss of Sr. Marilyn but she was “good to go.”
Thank you, Melannie, for this beautiful meditation. Living on this marvelous property, I, too, have walked, sat and listened to the woods in every season. It has much to tell if I’m only patient enough to listen and not in a rush for the next thing to happen.
Marilyn was a good friend since high school but, I agree, she was good to go and went quickly. Thank you for your tribute to her.
Thanks so very much for your beautiful words Melannie. I too love TREES…they are such an example of God’s love for all of us. Always present and always providing gifts far beyond our imagining. We have several trees on our property that speak to me many times.
Praying for your peace too as you remember your friend, Marilyn, may she rest in the peace of her loving God, and may you always remember the gifts you shared with her as you reflect on her life as your friend.
Again, thanks so very much for your beautiful words and thoughts.
Much peace, Sr. Marty Dermody, SC
Good Morning Sister Melannie,
Loved your blog today. Condolences on the loss of one of your beloved sisters.
Last week I was very sick with a nasty cold. My world narrowed to my apartment. But I look out onto a beautiful view of the now color changing landscape and it reminds me of my role in the universe and my small contribution to the glorious life of God’s creation. Thank you for your moving reflection on trees and on Sr. Marilyn!
I offer my sincere condolences on your loss of Sister Marilyn as you shared 60 years of religious life together. You and your community as well as Sister Marilyn are in my prayers.
With love and tenderness, ( Soon to be 87) Marilyn Josephine Woidat
At Casa San Carlo in Scalabrini Village , a very holy place!
Dear Sister, thank you for your writing today, it was a peaceful reflection after a stressful weekend. Growing up near the Platte river I spent many wonderful hours in the wooded hills of the bluffs, and was fortunate at as an adult to work at camps in them. In the small wooded area on our acreage I have a short walking path mowed. Woods and meadows are for me a ‘second church’ where God can meet me as I am. And where I am reminded of His constant blessings.
My sympathy for the loss of your friend.
Peace, Vicki
Good Morning Sister Melannie,
I enjoy your blog every Monday morning. Today’s was a beautiful reminder of our connection to this beautiful earth and our creator. What a gift you have! I am a gardener and never feel closer to God than when I’m in my gardens. Along with one of your readers’ comment, I too have a book to recommend: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. It is a beautiful story told by non other than a Fig Tree. It is a great “read” and an even better ‘listen.’
My sympathies to you and your community on the loss of your dear friend, Sister Marilyn.
Cheri
Loved that book!
Good morning to you all and thank you Melannie for the beautiful post and video about trees and the gifts of creation. I too love trees and grew up living on a glorious property with lovely trees of many species. My favorite was a majestic maple tree in the center corner of the back yard. I loved to climb as high as possible and just rest on its branches and “ponder”, or sometimes taking a book with me to read in silence. I was sad to learn a couple years ago while visiting the family that lived on that property, that the maple rotted after being struck by lightening and had to be cut down. I still love to walk in the woods and find peace and gratitude for all of creation found there in every season.
My condolences on the loss if your friend. I met several friends of St. Marilyn from the parish in Berea where she served. They all absolutely loved her. God loved her best and called her
home to be at peace.
Trees are so wonderful. When we built our house we planted two maples, later one split and died and we planted a river birch (a pollinator’s favorite). Right now both trees are beautiful – red and yellow respectively. Minnesota has so many beautiful trees – we need not go to the East Coast to leaf peep – daily on the weather on TV they tell us where peak color is for that day so we can follow the color across the state on sort of pilgrimage in preparation for the season change. Thank you for reminding us of the simple things we need to appreciate every day (even when our yard is covered with leaves that have fallen and must be dealt with!)
Thank you Sr Melannie for such a beautiful reflection and a powerful video. Sometimes we all get so busy with daily routines and chores that we forget to stop and take in the beauty around us. It’s currently raining where I am, and I’m watching the branches and leaves swaying in the breeze wondering if those beautiful trees are enjoying the long awaited rains. If only trees and other beauties of nature could share their thoughts with us. Hope you ha e a wonderful week.
Thank you Sister for todays” reflection. Every morning as I pray my morning prayers, I look out my window and see a Japanese Red Maple. I enjoy its 4 seasons and now it is starting to shed and to welcome the Fall and get ready for winter. I also follow the trees life cycle. A remarkable guide. It is not easy to lose such a companion of 6o plus years.God bless her life and your deep friendship with her.
Pat
I, too, have a love affair with trees. Wisdom exudes from their very life, their very existence wrapping us in protection, knowledge, intuition, grief. One day I was contemplating with our trees in our beautiful Minnehaha Park. I was inspired to quietly tiptoe to an ancient Oak hugging her I felt her strong “soul” beating in unison with my own.
I actually heard her say, “I know you.” I wept.
I, too, recommend Powers’ OVERSTORY.
In the Bible, “dominion” has two main meanings: the authority humans have over creation and an order of spiritual beings in the angelic realm. The human exercise of dominion involves both ruling and responsibly stewarding the earth, as outlined in the creation accounts in Genesis. The angelic sense refers to a hierarchy of spiritual powers, which is ultimately subject to Christ. We have to remember what ” dominion” actually means in Genesis – “responsible stewardship.” We have abdicated, unfortunately.
May you and each of Marilyn’s Sisters and Loved Ones be comforted by the tenderness and human qualities that she embraced. Thank you for being so tuned into the seasons in nature and the seasons of our lives.
Giddy up & God Bless!
Sister Melanie,
Thank you for this lovely reflection on trees. I love them too. I can still remember my joy in my 5th grade science project on tree identification! I loved collecting the leaves and describing the bark. Today we might consider calling our senators to oppose the forest act that allows for rampant logging of our beloved forests. They are trying to push it through in spite of our government shutdown. People and the planet need God’s beautiful trees!!!
Dear Sister Melannie,
First, a belated congratulations on your Diamond Jubilee! Wow! Thank you, Jesus!
I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Sister Marilyn. I was touched that she asked God to hold off on taking her home until she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, and that God honored her request. What a generous God. Thank you for your blog. It is a great start to each week.
Thank you for this blog. Sister Melannie. I have followed it for quite awhile – but this is the first time I have commented. And it is because Mary Oliver’s poem so resonates with me, and your reflection:
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
Thank you for your lovely blog. I’m sorry for your loss.
Years ago, I made a retreat with you in Maine. It was wonderful. You invited us to find something in nature and have a conversation with it. I had a wonderful conversation with a geranium at the entrance of the retreat house. Now, I enjoy the tulip tree outside my window and it has a wisdom all its own. Thank you for helping us to notice and appreciate the beauty of our natural world.
Thank you Sr. Melannie for today’s blog. I’ve loved trees since I was in second grade. We moved to a house in St. Stephen’s parish that had an apple and a cherry tree in the back yard. In my mind the cherry tree was mine. I did a project on it when I was in 6th grade and was so happy to tell its story from the point of view of the birds who visited it.
Thank you for your tribute to Sr. Marilyn. I have many fond memories of the role she played in my younger years. I know there is a huge celebration in heaven (with wine!) because she is home and no longer suffering.
God bless you and all of us.
Thank you, Sr. Melannie, for your inspiring reflection on trees and nature. I am fortunate to live in an area surrounded by forests, mountains, rivers and streams. I have a favorite spot along a rail trail where I can sit and contemplate the beauty of nature.
The video was awesome!
My prayers as you grieve the loss of your dear friend of 60 years.
Melannie,
Your passage today brought back a wonderful memory. One of my college biology teachers would take us out into the woods or the lake side or wherever we were that day for a field trip and taught us a process called.”seated watching.” we would find a spot to sit down quietly and just wait for all to come alive as you described. Thank you for today’s passage. Sister Jan
Thank you for your blog, Sr. Melannie. It is truly a gift. It reminds me that God is near in nature, which is always there for us, like His love.
Deepest sympathies over the loss of your dear friend. May your memories help you to keep her in your heart.
Also, a book recommendation. It’s a little book but thoughtful and clever. How to Be More Tree, (Essential Life Lessons for Perennial Happiness) by Liz Marvin and Illustrated by Annie Davidson. Each tree type is illustrated and is “assigned” a life lesson for us to learn.
Dear Sharon and Melanie: What a lovely, lovely post. Melanie, thank you for this most wonderful post so close to my heart! I live among the oaks and cedars and my heart sings daily as I watch the seasons change, the struggle of winter turning into spring! All of it! I am so sorry to hear of Sr. Marilyn’s passing. Thanking God for your friendship! What a legacy!!
Sharon, the poem you shared spoke so deeply to my heart. The words, “I would almost say that they save me, and daily” jumped off the page! I live very rurally and my “woods” are my safest place. Without my trees, without my birds, without my beautiful nature daily, I think I might never be saved from the struggles of each day. Thank you both so much!
Peace & comfort in your loss Sr. Melannie & thank you for another wonderful blog.
I enjoy walking the tree lined paths around the lakes at Notre Dame, Ind. & listening to
the rippling of waves & rustling of leaves as I sit on a bench near the lake. I agree “dominion” is a poor choice of words & it’s sad that humans have taken it too literally.
Melanie, my deepest sympathy at the loss of your good and precious friend, Marilyn! It seems that she was “good to go”! May she rest in peace! Thank you for always sharing your soul with us! I am always nourished by what you write! I love this video of the trees! Every single tree unique and giving praise to God just by being a tree! My soul was deeply touched by this sharing! Thank you!