Yesterday, late afternoon, there was a peek of the sun, and we’re supposed to have more today; yet we have to wonder if we’ll have enough sunny days to melt the remaining mounds of snow and so our gardens aren’t anything more than a sea of mud. Of course, by August when there is little or no rain, we’ll be concerned about drought.
I can’t help but wonder how spring planting will go on our farms without the immigrant labor we’ve used over the past generation or two. If you think the price of food has gone up, just wait until farmers start cutting back because there are no workers in the fields.
Racist anti-immigrant policies will come home to roost, and not just on our Nation’s farms. In the darkness of the early morning, I pray for light, the light of recognition, the light that welcomes the many who have helped to build our Nation.
Prayer for the Day
With your hand you brought us out of the dust,
Giving us life with your breath, Eternal Creator;
With your heart you formed us into your likeness,
Making us sentient beings with your soul. Loving Spirit.
May we respond to the power of your love in the world
By caring for all creatures who inhabit the earth.
In the name of the One who embodies your love,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
There is a shortage of ready, willing and able agricultural workers. It’s a crisis. There is not a demographic in the United States that is willing to do the work. It’s hard, cold and dirty. We either will import our workers or we will import our food. It’s one or the other.
Brandon Mallory, CEO of Agri-Placement Services
Of all my field workers, only two are Americans, and when I can find them, I hire them, but they don't stay for long.
Farmer in America's Voice
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come,
And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom;
They give forth fragrance.
Song of Songs 2: 12-13