I know we aren’t supposed to talk about politics or religion to keep things socially polite–but if someone is going to bring it up, who better than me. And if you are going to be offended–by all means read on! In fact the irony of this story is that it is inspired by a neighbor of mine, well actually two neighbors of mine–and one of these neighbors is a non-believing believer. She is a strong catholic who thinks that climate change and recycle/reuse is a bunch of far left rubbish.  Mind you, she is one of my most favorite neighbors–who really does amazing things for our entire family and her community. Here is her idea–one of the best reuse concepts I have heard in many years.

For those of you from Orange County, California–and many of you from all over the world have heard of the famous Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. You know the super nice guy, “I am OK, You are OK”, coke bottle bottom glasses, Robert Schuller; Mr. Hour of Power. Well the business behind the church has gone BK. Yep, they are out of money and the Schuller family is in a state of disarray. This brings up the second neighbor–the daughter of Robert Schuller just moved in next door to me–they had to downsize to a million dollar fixer upper….

Anyhow here is the best part of the story. The Catholic Archdiocese of Orange County is proposing to build a new cathedral and spiritual center.  Well, my non-green-believin’ neighbor has proposed that the Archdiocese should buy the now bankrupt Crystal Cathedral instead of building a new building and using up more land. WOW–what a revelation! I think it’s a superb idea that demonstrates working together to demonstrate that we are good stewards of what God has given us. The building is impressive and the facilities are all in place for education, offices, gardens and public spaces. It’s a match made in heaven!

I think I may have to give her some kind of Green Neighbor Award, which she will probably toss out and drop off her idea next door–I will say a prayer that they consider such a wonderful way to make good use of an already built house of God.