IT'S A DIRTY BUSINESS BUT..
Somebody's gotta do it. Grow the food we stroll down an aisle to select, buy and haul home, while grumbling about prices. But every now and then, if we're lucky, we get to meet one who does the work we call farming.
Like last Sunday, Liz Green, a farmer, taught Adult Formation class at Christ Church. She, also, sings in the choir and plays the flute. Really well. But to most who benefit from the harvest from Three Sisters Community Farms, she's a farmer, who works hard to fulfill their mission. Respect for the land matters. But the heart of their mission is growing food that's accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. The best food, not wilted seconds.
Sounds like a God idea. And Liz reminded us of God's thoughts on caring for the land, sharing abundance to feed the poor. You can read about it in the Old and New Testaments. The visual behind, as Liz taught, read: Food and Farms help us understand God's love and abundance." She reminded us that life began in a garden (Genesis 1 and 2) and ends with a feast. (Revelation 19)
So what does this have to do with the times in which we're living? A lot, actually. God hates hoarding, greed, killing, injustice, mistreatment of people and this earth, for starters. Which are signs of a heart problem, not lack of resources. Not right or left bents, but centered in each of us. Individual choices. Not them. Me.
So where's the hope in all of this? Well, Liz reminded us to take a look at Isaiah 55 in the Bible. We're invited to come, not to a grocery store, but to come to God, if we're hungry and thirsty. No money, foodstamps or coupons needed.The prophet Isaiah reminds us to "come, seek, listen and call" on the One who will feed our starving souls.
The older I get, the more I realize we are suffering from soul insecurity. And that can lead us to hoard, withhold food and care from others who are starving. We've gone after lesser gods. And taken to duct tape remedies to patch up the holes in our hearts, calm the fears that gnaw at night, and the despair that shrouds our days.
So, I pray for God to help us shift our focus from that which torments, enrages and frightens to the God who feeds and loves us. But we need to "come, seek, listen and call" on Jesus. And as the Governor of Utah reminded us, "to find an off ramp from violence and hatred. Turn down the temperature."
So love one another. Anyway. Anyhow.
And, if you know any, thank a farmer.
Gratitude nourishes both giver and recipient.
10 Comments
Actually, Revelation 22 ends up with the Garden of Eden restored, and the reappearance of the tree of life! So truly, a full Biblical circle, Garden to Garden!
Wow! You are so right, dear David. Thank you. for this beauatiful word picture I will share that with Liz. She, as a farmer, was emphasizing the food that's part of a feast. You are trminfinh us of the full redemptive circle of God love for us and all He created. I'm thinking you were a Biology major at Gordon, True?
Jan, thank you for this tribute to farmers. As a daughter of a farmer, I am very grateful for those who work to feed our bodies as well as to form our souls. You, my friend, are a soul farmer as your words till the soil of our hearts. I’m grateful for you.
Thanks, my dear Norwegian sister, for you encouragement. And for the words you speak and write to "till the soil of our hearts."
Thank you for your good words as usual. I grew up in a farming community and was blessed with farm to table before it was a thing. My mother was given bags of cabbage, corn and potatoes in season because the wealthy farmer knew my mother would give it away to the poorer members of our community. She always did. I often went with her to give it away-to black and white brothers and sisters she knew. They loved her and she loved them. Soul food matters as does food for the soul. Your mother was like that too! How grateful I am for the examples I’ve had.
I love reading that story about your Mama, Chrissy. You told it to our family many years ago. And yes, you and I have much to be grateful for from examples, in and out of our families. I think of your Mama whenever I use a small paring knife she gave me one Christmas. Used it today. So practical, like she was.. You got that from her, then added so much with your creativity. I love you my dear sister-in-love. You may be younger, but are someone I admire and consider you to be a "good example."
Yes Jan, I was a biology major...with a huge tip of the cap to Drs Wright, Dent, and Camp. And of course, our clown Prince of Chemistry, Dr. Haas.
Yes, I've been an avid gardener from childhood on. I think that's why I just love the reappearance of the Garden in revelation 22, and also the strong hint at the tree of life in Psalm 1. Plus the restoration as Amos said: Amos 9:14
14 and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.
Hoe-hoe-hoe, a-gardening we will go!
Well, you were well taught and mentored by some of my favorite people. What a strong department that was. And still is. As for your biblical references, it sounds like Dr. Marv Wilson taught you a lot, as well. Seeing these names reminds me of why Gordon College is still the place I love to call Home. It's the people!! And alums, like you. Thank you for enhanciung my blog post with your comments, dear David. Hope I see you at Homecoming next weekend.
From the East to the West Coast, thank you for your post! I love food, probably my favorite thing on earth besides dancing. I like the note on Genesis to Relevation, the sustenance of food metaphorically and physically.
Me too, dear Alyssa. It's part of why I loved the reminder LIz put on the screen: "Food and Farms help us understand God's love and abundance." I also appreciated the comments your Governor of Utah, Spencer Cox, made regarding lowering the temperature and finding off ramps from hate and violence. as a way of handling disagreements. Blessings on you, Andrew and your new baby.