Amber Waves
The valleys blanketed with grain; they cheer and sing for joy. — Psalm 65:13 NAB
The farmlands of Maryland’s Eastern Shore abound with earth’s bounty. Wheat ripples in the breeze as far as the eye can see — breathtaking “amber waves of grain.”
The plants grow in response to the hard work of those who cultivate the soil as the sun and rain faithfully come forth from heaven.
Amidst thousands of acres, just one farmhouse is visible, with massive tractors, irrigators, and silos nearby showing the methods being used to plant, grow, and reap the bountiful harvest.
For readers of Olive Tree Blog who are farmers, we say, “Thank you.” We benefit from the food you produce.
We also stand on the shoulders of those who created America, with their pioneering spirit, blood, sweat, and tears.
This weekend, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we give a wave of gratitude both to our brave predecessors and current laborers. Let us respond by placing our hands upon the plow before us — the work God has assigned us in the landscape of our own lives — whether it be providing for loved ones or meeting the needs of those around us in physical, emotional, or spiritual ways.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for America, this beautiful country upon which Your grace has been shed. Forgive us our sins and restore us.
Quote
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self-control,
thy liberty in law.
— Katherine Lee Bates (1893)
Continue on to delve deeper with a related thought, question for journaling, and a guided, meditative Visio Divina exercise with music.
