Fall of the Mayan Empire

Okay...so I was a little wired after 24 last night and was pumped to find out one of my favorite shows now comes on at 10PM rather than 9PM (which conflicts with 24 and we all know how Jack handles conflict...) Anyway, that show is Digging for the Truth on the History Channel. If you haven't seen it, the host Josh Bernstein investigates different events, civilizations, and places of history...really cool...you should check it out.

Last night's show was about the rise and fall of the Mayan Empire. There was a lot that was interesting, but the part that stayed with me was the cause of their decline. In their prosperity they began to overindulge and abuse the very land that supported them. For example, they would use three stones for the steps of a building where one would have been sufficient. They then covered the stones with a mixture of limestone that was backed on. In their pride and greed they basically burned every tree they could find, literally changing their environment. The soil that had been rich and fertile was destroyed by erosion and could no longer support their villages.

Maybe it's a stretch, but I couldn't help but think of our lifestyles here in America...and ashamedly my own. Not only with material resources, but spiritual and relational as well. The Scriptures teach us that all good things flow to us from God, for which I am very thankful, but I realized that with that blessing comes the responsibility of stewardship. I've found myself more aware today of my surroundings, both the natural beauty and responsibility to preserve that beauty.