Gleaning

So I am not even sure where to begin in this quick blog post for all of my faithful fans. :) I will leave you with two thoughts.

Thought 1.

These past couple of weeks I have seen a variety of groups from urban, suburban, and rural backgrounds. I have had wonderful leaders that I clicked with instantly and leaders where I felt I needed to prove myself to them. I have been learning the importance of understanding each other when dealing with those relationships in particular. People, regardless of where they are now, have stories to tell and priorities in their life which influence each step they take. Over my past couple of weeks, I have been challenged to seek understanding and learn what people love and care about. The more we can understand, the more barriers break down. Anyway, as cryptic as that may all be, I leave you with a simple conclusion. Never write people off. We are all mostly the same I think. It just takes more time to get to know and appreciate some people then others.

Thought 2.

Today, I gleaned. I went to a corn field and picked up the corn that the farmers had left. We donated the corn to a food pantry. It was beautiful. I enjoyed the time in the field, the time in the sun and the idea that we were picking 1,000 pounds of corn for people in the city who are so far from available health food. The unavailability of fresh fruit and produce to a population is known as a "food desert" - a major problem in DC. In the Southeast, the quadrant didn't have a grocery store up until only a couple of years ago. Imagine not having easy access to food beyond a corner store or carryout restaurant. Today gave me breath and the energy to carry on. Sunshine and hard work can be a wonderful combination.

Praise God for sustaining me and continuing to teach and bless me.