The spring and summer season is finally here. We see the earth rejuvenating itself from its winter slumber. As a landscaper, I love participating with the natural seasonal cycle. One needs patience as we respond to what the natural mix of seed, soil, sun, and water does as it creates and rejuvenates itself. This natural process has been taking place since man began to make record of life. It reminds me of the fact that we are but stewards of this earth we are put on. I have learned that our place in this process can both hinder and help what happens around us.
There are many areas of life where mankind over or under responds to the natural elements around us. Often our response creates unintended consequences.
I am deeply concerned with the unintended consequences of recent government actions. Close to home, we continue to move forward with a flood mitigation strategy that ignores logic, and will cost all Albertans millions of wasted public money, let alone the potential environmental devastation of an integral water supply for 1.2 million people. Globally we are faced with trillions of dollars of debt and entire industries devastated as a result of our response and handling of COVID-19.
How do our communities move forward in light of these macro forces?
Our society has many places of trust. Many times those of us in these positions can be clouded by our personal desire for wealth, position, influence and security. If asked, we would deny this motivation, but unfortunately sometimes our human-ness blinds us.
However we engage in our local and broader communities, I trust that we can put the welfare of those we serve before our inner desires. May our judgment not be clouded by our selfishness and greed, but motivated by a desire to see the prosperity and betterment of those we serve.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
