The June Bug

THE JUNE BUG                      That big brown bug we sometimes see in great numbers on June nights is called a 'June Bug' or 'June Beetle'. It is a harmless flying insect that blesses us during that month in many parts of southern Canada. It appears earlier (in May) in other parts of the world. 'The Bug'  is related to the ancient Egyptian scarab beetles that were considered sacred. The June Bug larva spends 2 years underground before emerging as an adult beetle laying its eggs in meadows and gardens, beginning a new life-cycle all over again.

The wonders of the nature  -- even the creepy, crawly, flying kind remind me that God can do far more than we can ever understand. -- Why do some species exist? How did leaf-cutter ants learn  'their job'? Why are some of the largest mammal species most vulnerable at birth? It seems all creatures have been given the privilege of looking after the world -- what made us mess up?

The good news from the Bible is that we don't have to continue in our 'sin'. It's good to see that environmental issues are now on the centre of the world stage. Nations are actually addressing them seriously, because they see the melting of the polar cap and the flooding of  island states! But, we also need to consider God's concerns about restoring the world to God. God wants people to get along. The poor to be cared for. The environment to be healed. Arms to be beat into ploughshares ...  God has given us His Word and His Saviour to free us from the bondage and ignorance of the past, so we won't make the same mistakes we made 'yesterday'. God desires our worship!

Our General Assembly of the Presbyterian church (PCC) met early this month. The PCC has always had a strong 'social conscience'. This Assembly stated its  support of migrant workers and their needs to provide for their families. We recognize the need for more understanding of the issues leading migrants to cross to other countries to find work and to risk death or arrest. More missionary work is needed in Central America --

'When you think you've done everything, more work awaits you'! -- That saying reminds me of the life-cycle of the June Bug! When one cycle is complete, another one starts! Our work with the Near East Council of Churches, with the World Council and with the Canadian Council of churches is temporarily wiped from our computer screens by other news -- the environment, migrants ... But then, there it is again: all that other unfinished 'business'! God's work of redemption and grace is never-ending. There are no limits to the opportunities God gives us to show forth God's glory and boundless love!

Pick some small thing you can do to make a difference in this world and for God's Kingdom! Write letters, plant a tree, recycle more intentionally, volunteer at the refugee shelter ...  come back to church.

Even if others won't  -- God will understand -- and God will be pleased.                Let God's divine plan move you from just having 'a spring itch' to being 'bitten by the June Bug'.                Do it for God.   Amen