Sunday, June 31, 2024

Dear God,

The recent Supreme Court decision brought a greater move to rid our country of democracy putting much more power in the position of president of the United States.  It appears any "official" act gives tremendous immunity to a president regardless of their power to destroy, harm or injure.  Truly, it was a sad day in our country bringing despair, sorrow and anger.  That's why the next day brought such a surprise!

I left home early to make the trek to New Hampshire where I planned to pick raspberries and sweet cherries.  Arriving at the early morning opening, I was shocked to see at least 50 cars already parked waiting to pick some of the sweetest fruits on the planet.  Carrying my cardboard boxes, I took my place at one of the loveliest, sweet cherry trees. I began to pick with grandparents and their grandchildren, families, old and young alike and single people.  

During the next three hours I moved from cherries to raspberries.  People were so friendly, inquiring of each other what we planned to do with our fruit, make muffins, jams and pies, most said.  We helped each other reach for the best out-of-the-way berries.  We just talked as we picked, often laughing or teasing.  It was amazing.  It was only about 15 minutes into my time there that I realized there was something more going on than a bunch of people picking berries at a rural farm.  People seemed to want to be there, connecting and interacting with strangers.  There seemed to be a hunger to give and receive kindness and friendship.  We wanted to smile, help others and breathe the air of nature.  It was when I was driving home that I realized what we were doing was making hope together!

Thank you,

Loving God,

for the gift

of your grace.

Thank you

for calling us

to the farm,

to compassion

and to love.

While picking berries,

we offered healing

to one another.

Love, Andrea