Praise For God’s Gift Of Life

You take care of the earth and water it,

making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water;

it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,

for you have ordered it so.

You drench the plowed ground with rain,

melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers

and bless its abundant crops.

Psalm 65:9-10

By the end of November, trees have shed their leaves; crops have been harvested; and perennial plants lie dormant until next spring. It’s the time of year for reflection. We often take for granted that the trees and plants will come back every year with new growth and beauty. We plant seeds in the ground and depend on the rains to come again to water the seeds so that they can produce a new harvest. Upon reflection, however, we know nothing would have life without the touch of the one who created it all. God is the Creator of all things, the giver of life to all human beings—and also to all animals and plants.

Let us not take any of God’s gifts for granted. Thank him for the life he gives.

• Dear God, thank you for taking care of the earth and making it fertile . . .