Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

My husband loves crushed ice in his drinks. I’m not a fan of small bits of ice that might send my sensitive teeth into a fit! Give me big, chunky ice cubes, and I’m content. Usually, there is a lot of ice left over in my drinks. I never really thought about it until I heard a Girl Scout give a talk at an event one of my daughters attended years ago. It was about the importance of water.

We know water is necessary for life. But, many of us have experienced a life without any concerns about the water we drink, use for cleaning our dishes and homes, and use for bathing. Pope Francis, in Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, has written, “Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sources of fresh water are necessary for health care, agriculture and industry. Water supplies used to be relatively constant, but now in many places demand exceeds the sustainable supply, with dramatic consequences in the short and long term.”

Back to my Girl Scout story. The girl who spoke about water talked about making a big difference with small acts. She focused on ice. We were reminded of the many times we have been at a fast-food restaurant and have a drink with ice. As we leave the building and toss our trash, often we throw that cup with extra ice into the bin. Then what happens? It gets sealed and tossed into the dumpster, then off to the landfill. The same happens with water or drinks in disposable bottles. Forever sealed, there is no chance for that liquid to return to the environment. She called on us to make a difference by always returning that extra ice or unfinished drink to the earth instead of in the trash can. Since then, I always take my ice outside and toss it into the bushes. I’m certain that over the two decades that I’ve been following her direction, I’ve made a difference. That’s a lot of liquid!

St. Francis said, “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.” May we show God our appreciation for the beautiful gift of water in actions that protect this precious resource.

Blessed Angela: “Time is given to us for doing good.”