Yo howdy All Y’all – it is a beautiful day to visit our downtown sanctuary.
Sunflowers and zexmenia still bloom yellow along 12th Street; white rain lilies, moonflowers and some random pink, orange and purple blooms line the alley. Goldenrod, yellow senna, plateau golden-eye, orange turks-cap, red shrimp-tail, purple and white asters, lingering lantana, rock-rose, pink four-o’locks and whispy white blooms of tradescantia (dare I say better known as “wandering Jew?” are all in bloom along San Antonio Street. All these can be witnessed driving.
Walking by and walkin’ thru our gardens reveal many more colors. Revelations of process: compost piles and berms, seedlings growing in transplant pots, working tables and chairs. On all four sides of our sanctuary are growing winter greens and herbs – within reach! Our fall vegetables and greens have finally been planted; vegetables from summer still in limited production.
I’m particularly delighted the soil continues becoming more balanced and nourishing – and that grateful residents nearby now find comfort in harvesting some peppers, collards, kale, okra and cherry tomatoes. I will confess I am frustrated that I have recently tasted only one of the relatively few cherry tomatoes – the hearty harvests snatched in the night. (I know it’s by a good neighbor – mid-forties, American, lives on the banks of Shoal Creek. When he sees me during the day he is always sure to thank us for our gardens.)
Other citizens drop by at all times. Folks from nearby offices keep moving the chairs into different groupings. Folks walking by picking flowers. Individuals looking for help from the pantry. Folks knocking in need or ringing the door bell seeking shelter or sustenance.
Sometimes, as neighbors. the best we can each do is acknowledge the individual’s struggles, offer our own name in recognition of their human dignity and encourage their perseverance.
Often our Petite Pantry holds laminated cards listing services available to people with life-threatening needs. Our pastors have these cards as well, it is good to have a couple of your own in your vehicle. It’s good for us each to have a better awareness of what services our community offers – but also know that there is a waiting list for every service except “in-take” which puts folks on some of the waiting lists…
As we sang together one recent Sunday: “For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God. For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in Earth’s safekeeping – Thanks be to God.”
I am thankful to be in congregation of folks who practice honoring Creation by loving created. It is right to give thanks in all circumstances, this is the day Creation has made – let us rejoice in it.
Everyday is Thanksgiving Day. Be well know joy.
Phil