One Faith. Above all, through all, in all.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3: 22-23
The field sits idle as it has throughout the long winter. Dad plows it after the fall harvest and bits of corn stalks peek through the turned soil as they feed the earthen crust with renewing nutrients. The winter snow is quickly melting as the spring sun rises to a higher angle warming the earth in preparation for a new season of planting and growing.
Dad spends the winter musing about the spring planting, what seeds to buy, how many acres to assign to which crop, how to water, fertilize and till. Now, he watches, closely reading the rhythms of season for the right time to plant the seed. Not always a patient man, now is the time this virtue is most needed.
Yet, dad is a faithful man, respecting the earth with care and attention, trusting its gift in return of a bountiful harvest. The soil is faithful in return. Mutual in its respect, mutual in its presence over the long haul, mutual in the offering of its gifts.
As dad waits, he whistles filling the air with a breath-filled song affirming what he trusts[ . The song accompanying his musing is one he has grown to love hearing the words within its melody,
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Breathprayer:
Breathing in: God’s faithfulness…
Breathing out:…abides in love.
Reflection: How do you experience God’s faithfulness?
Lenten Reflection for March 28, 2019. This is written for the Daily Online Devotion of the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
www.seiasynod.org/lent