Caring for the world

Good morning.
Today is Plough Monday, which is celebrated on the first Monday after Epiphany. In some communities, people participate in "plough plays," which narrate the story of a farmer and his plough. Others may partake in folk dances and indulge in traditional dishes.
Plough Monday fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for the hard work of those who work the land. It emphasizes the critical role that farming plays in our lives, providing food and sustenance.
It feels to have a similar theme to the next Jewish festival of Tu Bishvat, that occurs three weeks today. It is the New Year for Trees, the Jewish festival that celebrates the first blooms on the trees and the importance of nature and seasons in our lives.
Three major Jewish festivals were originally harvest festivals – Passover, the Feast of Weeks and Tabernacles; although now we focus more on other aspects of the festivals.
But reminders of the importance of nature, the agricultural cycle and care for our planet are important. Especially now, when we know the damage we have done and are doing to our planet, it is vital we have ways of addressing that.
A midrash, a rabbinic homily, tells us that when God made Adam, He showed him all of creation and said to him: "See all My works, how beautiful they are. All I have made, I have made for you. Take care, therefore, that you do not destroy My world, for if you do, there will be no one left to mend it.”!
So today I pray that I am always mindful of the importance of our world and what we do to it. I pray that I always act responsibly, helping to repair our world for future generations. I ask God to help me to remember that we have a sacred responsibility to care for this fragile planet.