by Patrick Watters

My earthly father instilled a deep appreciation in nature in all of his children. We were raised to respect, protect and preserve the natural world. His heritage as both Celtic and Native American seemed to ingrain closeness to the natural world in him. He was a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, including leader in The Order of the Arrow, as well as being a true "horse whisperer" in his own right from days as a youth in Montana.

So, what does this have to do with discipleship and creation care? Well, if discipleship is truly modeling and teaching Jesus in close, intimate relationship, then my father got it right. I personally see education as the key to creation care globally, and my sons, a PhD in astrophysics and another studying environmental biology, would agree. As a family, we always appreciated the natural world, the environment. Having a father who was educated as a environmental biologist didn't hurt, and being an Eagle Scout helped too.

We practiced recycling long before it was an accepted practice or even trendy. We don't own any gas combustion yard equipment, only manual and Dad's new electric mower (the old push model was getting a bit much for the old guy.) The boys still prefer the push model, by the way. Energy conversation, whole house fans, and more were the norm in our home as the kids grew up. The attitude of creation care is now ingrained in my own children, and they teach and practice it in their own lives. And, I continue to remind them that God gave us "dominion" over all creation . . . as good kings and queens, we must practice responsible, caring stewardship in honoring God's confidence in us.