September 4, 2023
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
~ Lamentations 3:21-23 NRSV
Labor Day for me is the threshold from summer to fall, a rhythm set in place for as long as I remember. It is the last day that community pools close, used to be the last day before school starts for the year, and also reminder that local summer fruits and vegetables will give way to autumn’s harvest.
I heard once that the first and last bites of things we really love are the most precious. This year, the first peach of the season was incredible. Small and sweet due to lack of rain. Yesterday we had local peach slices on a salad, the last of the season and a miracle considering the drought conditions. I savored the first and last bites, knowing that I won’t taste or smell them until next year. Local tomatoes and corn, still available, will grace our table this evening.
It’s amazing that with the right conditions the ground yields its harvest of precious produce that, like manna, are new every morning and best enjoyed today. They are reminders that God’s mercies are new every morning, a reminder of God’s faithfulness, and worthy of savoring each bite.
That’s a pretty good way to approach every day, attentive to and savoring God’s love and mercy today, rather than longing for yesterday or worrying about tomorrow. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 