By Brenda Senga of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

[One] fall it became my responsibility to dig the parsnips. Someone did offer to help—I declined. This is always the last of our garden harvest. Parsnips grow deep and sometimes very big. Of course there was the labor. But during this experience, I enjoyed the wonders of a whole earth community. Just below the rich, dark ground were all manner of life and multi-leveled freeways carefully chiseled to just the right size. And at ground level, under a carpet of fallen leaves, ladybugs rested, perhaps hiding. The earthworms were about their business, without judgement or critique. I was impressed to acknowledge this order, this reality of being whom one is called to be.

During this time the Mission Prayer was never far from my thoughts. As each day dawned, I asked and I listened. I laughed more often, and I was more attentive to the moment. I felt called again and again to presence, to caring, to delightful moments. More opportunity awaited in this process. The cleaning and grooming and packing and sharing of the mighty parsnip. What a harvest this year! And with care they will last until spring.

Many challenges are facing me. I am learning an attitude of non-measurement. “To work is to pray.” I feel the pulse of goodness and calm positive excitement in the midst of calamity. This is not a constant in my life. But it seems that at the right time and place, a loving insight just lands its little self in the place it fits. Perhaps I’ll figure it out sometime. The sense-full-ness of God is permeating my senses. My soul rejoices. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Hope in the Present

Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.