November 3

Compassion

God's Gifts

“Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven.”
James 1:17 (GNB)

The rainy season in Uganda has begun, and with it comes the relief that
crops can be planted and life will be sustained. We awaken each morning
to the thud, thud, thud of many hoes breaking the ground as men and
women plant their seeds of hope for a satisfying yield.

As clouds gather in the dark sky, the workers shade their eyes and
read the weather above them. With the first drops from heaven, the
people pause from their work, find solace under a tree and enjoy rest
as they watch God do His part in keeping them fed. I observe from
my front porch as the world around turns fuzzy gray through sheets of
rain.

Then the shower quickly stops. It’s as if God lifts His watering can
and says, That’s enough. Now just have faith. The birds begin to sing again in
the mango trees, and the children come bursting out of their dark mud
homes into the warmth and joy of the sun. God is so good to send the
rains and to then perfect it with His creation enjoying His life-giving
light.

Every breath we draw, every word we speak and every new day we
are blessed by the gifts from the Father above who knows our needs
before we ever voice them. What a joy to serve a God who enjoys His
children! I imagine His great delight as He waters the Ugandan soil
and then watches His precious people pause to thank Him for providing
their daily bread.

—A worker in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Dear God, may I never take Your countless blessings for granted! May You make
the ground fertile for spiritual harvest in Uganda and in my own neighborhood.
Amen.

Next day