My Soil was so enriched Sunday at Church. It came from fellow members who went beyond to show me care and love. You see our church greeters are warm and kind to everyone who enters the doors. But what i’m about to share was beyond that.

I walk with a cane most times because of lower back problems that affect my balance. All of the senior parking spaces were taken. The only one possibly open was reserved, so I had to park a little farther away. As I crossed the parking lot I heard someone behind me call my name. The person wanted to give me her parking spot that had been reserved for her because she had to unload some things so she had to be close. I told her, No but thanks. I walked on.

I must tell you it was a very cold morning. When the greeter saw me nearing the door he opened it. He asked me if there was anything I needed and that he could help with, I said, just to get inside. He smiled and said, May I hug you? It was like a son hugging his mother. I’m not old enough to be his grandmother 😀. It was purely kind affection. He’s kind to everyone but there seemed to be something different, something special, something tenderer than usual. A little later the same gentleman’s wife walked past me on her way to the sanctuary. She realized I was sitting there in the foyer, backed up and gave me a hug and a kiss. She interrupted her purpose to step back and hug me. ❤️.

I had only one student in my Bible study class. She and I had a good discussion. We had fun. We shared, laughed and learned together. I realized the fire I felt when teaching had been missing. It returned. Richness.

During the service, we had a consecration ceremony for all leaders; ministers, elders and ministry volunteers. We were prayed for and anointed with oil. At the end of the ceremony we were asked to tell the people around us that they were a gift. This is our theme for the year. We did. The person behind me leaned over and with emphasis said, I know you are a gift. I didn’t know who it was until I turned around but I still didn’t know why she said it like that. It didn’t matter. Yahweh had just dropped some more nutrients to my soil.

The final additive was made by another son-like relationship. I had gotten in my car and was looking for a phone number to order lunch. There was a knock on my window. I lowered the window and the person who was studying there said, I just wanted to share some love with you and leaned in to give me a hug. I didn’t know I needed that but I did. Yahweh knew. He sees. He walked out of his way to do that.

Now, alone each encounter may not seem like much but collectively, they meant more than gold. They were simple, unexpected and powerful. My soil darkened several shades of blackness. The blackness signaled the richness, the added nutrients, that which will nourish, and strengthen me for days.

Rich Black Soil. Healthy Growth. Blessed Life.