Pray for the children

I was recently listening to a song called Pray by Tina Cousins. One of the lines in the chorus stood out, and kind of sums up how I've been feeling lately after doing a lot of reading about global warming and peak oil.

Pray for the children whose time is to come
Pray they forgive us for the stupid things we've done

We are messing up the world. We want what we want and we want it now, with no thought or regard for the future generations we are affecting with our choices. I have a long way to go in "greening up" my lifestyle, but I am committed to start trying. I am going to do whatever I can for Peachfuzz and Tiny, and their children. I'd hate to think I lived my life always getting exactly what I want, only to have my children and grandchildren left to clean up the mess.

Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by how much there is to do, and how few people seem to understand that global warming is happening right now. It can be really discouraging to think about how much needs to change and how slim the chances are of enough people changing their ways. But I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Instead I'm going to do my bit, one day at a time, one change at a time, and know that I'm making a difference, however small it may be.

I'm starting by trying to reduce our petrol consumption. That's why I'll be sticking to one "errand day" a week, and trying to leave the car at home other than that one day. That's why you may have seen me this morning, 7 months pregnant, pushing 25kgs of toddler and stroller up a hill as we walked to church. No more excuses for driving such a short distance (well, except pelting rain). Yes, I'm very pregnant, but I'm still very much on my feet. I need to allow myself a little extra time to get places on foot, as my arms and legs seem to wear out a little quicker these days. But being "big with child" is not a good enough reason to jump in the car for a trip that takes only ten to fifteen minutes by foot. And anytime I feel like it is, I'll remember Peachfuzz and Tiny, and remember that I'm doing what I can to leave them with a better earth to live in.