“From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.”  Psalm 104:13

“When they were satisfied, Jesus told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing is lost.’’ So they gathered them up; and from the fragments of the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.”  Johns 6:12-13

I wonder what they did with those leftovers!  I grew up, and live, in a home where leftovers – and mistakes – are tolerated.  I can’t recall EVER going to bed hungry.  I didn’t know my parents didn’t have much extra money.  Our large family living on a small farm ate well.  That small farm produced a very big garden and crops to feed our livestock.  Three very square meals each day, homemade bread, even ice cream, supplied by the creamery coop.  I took it all for granted … at the time.

Recently I read an article about the beautiful flowers blooming in Death Valley.  Seeds lay dormant in those harsh conditions for decades and woke up with a rare rainfall.  Farmers are planting this year’s seeds.  In a few months there will be corn, wheat, soybeans, and hay sprouting.  Earth’s riches are more than diamonds and oil.  Earth’s riches are wild flowers, more splendid than the robes of a king; and food, enough for all; and clean water. 

Today I will have breakfast around a table with good friends.  Just as on Thanksgiving Day I expect to be “overserved”.  Our waste is mind-boggling, as is the amount of food grown, as is the need.  I recall rambling through the “Lutheran” table prayer, not even saying the words correctly.  Let’s just get going, eating.  Did you know there is a second verse? 

“And may there be a goodly share; On every table everywhere.”  Amen 

Verla Olson

 

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