Life is a Garden Party

Friday, January 27, 2023

LEFTOVERS

 

LEFTOVERS


Today I saw a flock of Canadian geese feasting

in the nearby shorn cornfield months after harvesting.

It's January 5th

and there are snowdrifts.


It appeared it was the harvester's intent

to allow these geese to feed to their heart's content

for these geese were busy feeding their face

as a smile appeared on my face.


These stately geese

did not lease.

Their food was free

to gather, you see.


They were quite content

with food heaven-sent

for it was a gift from God this day -

a brisk January day.


The leftover field corn that had fallen

was as if a blessing from God had fallen

for God does provide for all His creatures.

Sometimes His provision is leftovers.


I was reminded of the story where the harvesters

in the Old Testament were instructed to leave leftovers

for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless to glean.

This was a commandment the harvesters esteemed.


Many were blessed by this practice for life is sometimes cruel.

There will always be the poor, the widows, the fatherless who

need encouragement from those who

gladly share what they have, it's true.

* * * * *


Nothing in life is certain

except for one's salvation.

Consider this this new year: you never know when you might lose your health.

If you lose your health, it undoubtedly will affect your wealth.


Where once before you considered yourself independent,

now you might rely on another as a dependent.

It might be the government's help

set up purposely for when you need help.


It might be second-hand items given

by those who share with a heartfelt donation

coming at the 11th hour – just when you need.

You have no doubt God saw and provided with their good deed.


Perhaps someone provided a bag of groceries

or cleaned their closet and blessed you abundantly.

These "leftovers" were meant to bless you

and show you God provides for you.


Traditionally you think of leftovers after a meal.

These leftovers stretch your pennies into dollars – a deal.

However your leftovers come,

at some point you'll find they are welcome.


...pick up the leftover grain...

(Ruth) went out and began to glean in the fields

behind the harvesters.

Ruth 2:2-3a


They all ate and were satisfied.

Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls

of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 15:37


(The Bible states leftovers were broken pieces.

I have another story highlighting life's broken pieces.)


Photo from a ballfield one summer day.


Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

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