Home Sweet Home

It’s worth noting that according to the creation story in the first chapter of the book of Genesis, God created plants, water creatures, and land animals before humans. Thus these other life forms had created homes for themselves on earth before humans came to be. This is important because, as Sarah A. Bowen observes, “...every location on our planet is a home for someone. That means I need to be sensitive when I enter another’s home.”

When we dig into the earth to plant gardens and crops or to build structures or roads, we are crossing into the abode of worms, fungi, roots, and insects. When we go for a swim or a boat ride, we are diving into the home of fish, crustaceans, and water plants. When we erect tall buildings or take plane trips, we are affecting the air quality and migratory patterns of birds that claim the skies as their home.

It is in our best interest to respect the habitats of other life forms, because we need them to sustain our own life. Trees provide us with oxygen and help clean the air. If we didn’t have bees and insects to pollinate plants, many of our food sources would disappear. By absorbing the carbon generated by our use of fossil fuels, oceans protect us from living in an even hotter and stormier world.

When we visit the homes of family or friends, it is common courtesy to be respectful of their space and customs and to clean up after ourselves before we depart. We should carry that same spirit of reverence when we enter the homes of non-human life forms, for they too were created by God and merit our respect and care.