For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard.
Exodus 23:10,11
A reflection from Revd Ruth Mock, St John’s Sandiway
God’s instructions to the Israelites about the way they should live included careful use of their land. It is difficult to know how strictly these Sabbath instructions were observed in the seventh year, but it’s clear that God intended for rest and generosity to be guiding principles for his chosen people.
At St John’s in Sandiway, we have been thinking about ways to increase the biodiversity of the churchyard. We were tempted to rush out and plant wildflower seeds but a visit from Cheshire Wildlife Trust persuaded us to watch and wait. A brief survey found rare species including waxcap fungi and many other native plants. We were advised to reduce mowing in some areas and let the grass grow.
Can you create a mini meadow by letting the grass grow in a part of your garden or churchyard? These wild areas will encourage different plant species to grow, providing space for insects and wildlife. Allowing the lawnmower to rest for most of the summer, can provide huge benefits to nature!
A prayer
Loving God,
Help me to pause and pray and open my eyes to the needs of others and the needs of the wider world.
Amen
Revd Ruth Mock,
St John’s Sandiway
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