August 14, 2023
“If you have two coats, give one away,” he said. “Do the same with your food.” ~ Luke 3:11 The Message
The little table sits near the side of the road, loaded with yellow and red tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, and right now, green bell and jalapeño peppers. Sometimes the produce spills over onto the grass. The homeowners share their extra produce, free of charge.
After I got over feeling self-conscious about taking something for free, I’ve begun to take what I can use for lunch or dinner. Each time I smile and wave towards the house just in case someone’s watching. Last year I went to the front door with a thank you card in hand. When no one answered, I placed it inside the screen door. I will do the same this year. I want them to know that I appreciate their generosity. I’ve air fried yellow squash and green zucchinis, made caprese salads featuring a mixture of red and yellow tomatoes which made for a gorgeous presentation, made multiple batches of my grandmother’s fried tomatoes. Tonight, I intend to make the first tomato pie of the season, featuring their tomatoes.
John the Baptist said, “if you have two coats, give one away. Do the same with your food.” I’m not sure if the generous gardener is aware of John’s teaching, but she/he is doing just that. I’ve read that there is more than enough food for everyone in the world if we could share from our abundance with those who are experiencing scarcity. I imagine the same is true with clothing and a whole host of other goods.
Another card will soon find its way into their screen door, along with this meditation as a way of saying “thanks.” I’ll drop it off on my way to donate some clothes I’ve been holding onto for too long.
Grateful for the produce, and the example of generosity. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 