Parched Times

 

In the middle of our bustling community with its endless subdivisions and ever-increasing traffic, there remains a few plots of land not yet sold to developers. Planting a crop allows the land to fall under a different category of taxes, so we have what I think of as “city corn”.

It is planted and left alone for the duration. This year, with a prolonged drought and extremely high temperatures, the corn is as parched as can be. It is brittle and bleached out by the sun. It is not a pretty sight.

We can find ourselves feeling as parched and brittle as the “city corn” when we face hard times In our lives. Struggles with our health. Struggles with each other. The loss of those we love. Watching those most dear to us as they suffer and knowing that we cannot save them. All of these situations, and more, can leave us dried and empty.

The prophet Isaiah writes, “They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.” Our loving God knows our journey, both the green pastures and the scorched fields. God is always leading us through the parched times to refreshing water. We often can feel lost in the field, but we can trust that renewed life is in our future. Water lies ahead.

Peace.