“For the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.”  Isaiah 61:11

 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:10

Tomorrow is Burn Your Socks Day.  Decades ago in Annapolis, Maryland, a sea captain named Bob Turner was tired of winter and his woolen, sodden socks.  He invited friends to gather around a bonfire and burn those winter socks.  A tradition was born!  

Where winter is cold and snowy, or chilly and damp, Spring brings out the giddy … and the hopeful … for new life and growth, and warmth.  Hours of daylight are lengthening; birds are more vocal in the early morning; finches are changing from brown to yellow; the smell of wet earth, the feel of breeze through an open window …   Aaahhh!!  People begin browsing seed catalogs and planning gardens.  Farmers watch the water table and pace.   

The upper Midwest is blessed with good farmland.  There are many places in need of our surplus.  From a tiny seed the world is fed.  From a tiny seed sharing and righteousness will spring up before all nations.  A seed is planted as we hear the message of God’s love for us and for all.  As we study Scripture, seek and listen for God our faith becomes stronger.  We want to learn more and understand the needs of others.  In gratitude we respond to God’s gift of grace and reach out in service to others, scattering more seeds of care and compassion.  It’s time … burn those tiresome, heavy socks of self-centeredness … and step out into a new day of the warmth of God’s Son!   

Dear Lord, We pray for those who are hungry, and for those who suffer through floods and storms.  We give thanks for cycles of nature that bring new life, and for those who grow our food.  Move us to share with those in need.  Amen.

Verla Olson   

Ministries
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