Soil Solution

 

 Do not fear, O soil;
    be glad and rejoice,
    for the Lord has done great things! 

 Do not fear, you animals of the field,
    for the pastures of the wilderness are green;
the tree bears its fruit,
    the fig tree and vine give their full yield.

 Joel 2:21-27 (NRSV)

The cold of Winter descended upon us so quickly this year that we didn't have time to empty our many outside flower pots before they were frozen solid. I got them into the garage and waited for a couple of days mild enough to excavate the soil so the pots wouldn't crack. Some of them were root-bound but I liberated them all. The rock-hard soil of our raised beds meant that we didn't get our garlic in this Fall. We're a mess!

Yesterday was World Soil Day --yes, friends, it's a day -- and apparently we are the solution to soil pollution. Apparently soil pollution is a hidden reality: 

Soil is a complex growing habitat that remains productive only if it is cared for and nurtured. Combating and addressing soil pollution is the only way to minimize the risks for food security, human health and the environment. 

 

Eduourd Léon Edy-Legrand, Jesus Healing the Blind Man. ca. 1950.

Listen, is this seems incredibly nerdy, tell that to God. There are plenty of soil passages in the Hebrew scriptures and Jesus was partial to soil as well. He told soil and sower stories and used mud to heal. It makes sense for someone who grew up in an agrarian society. 

If we are "down to earth" Groundlings, good Adamahs and Eves we will take care of the soil that feeds and sustains us.

 When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to [Jesus], 
he said in a parable:  
 “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, 
some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.  
 Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture.  
Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it.  
Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” 
As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”

Luke 8:4-8