Can you imagine a world without fresh produce? For most of us, it’s hard to fathom.

I don’t pay much attention to the fact that I can get most produce year-round, even the stuff that’s out of season. A commercial about produce imported from Chile runs often this time of year in my area to inform consumers about where some of our produce comes from during winter months. The grapes that I buy during the coldest months happen to come from Chile. The bell peppers that I used to make stuffed peppers for tonight’s dinner were imported from Mexico. The strawberries that I used for a Valentine’s Day dessert were imported as well. I am thankful for having access to just about any food item that I want when I want as long – as I don’t have stipulations on country or state of origin.

Getting whatever , whenever is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Not only do I get to enjoy out-of-season produce, I can walk or drive to the closest grocery store to get it. Anything that I want or need is within a reasonable distance and it’s available in relatively abundant supplies. I can buy as much as my family needs for a given period of time and if I forget to pick up an item or need to run out sooner than planned, I can simply go back to the store to get it.

When I stop to imagine a place where grocery stores have never existed, roadside farmers’ markets aren’t available, water is scarce, and soil is not fertile, I can’t help but to pray that God uses those of us who do have these things to help make them available for our fellow brothers and sisters. I thank God for choosing to put me where I am now. After all, I know full well that I could be living in a place where life-sustaining food is a mirage.

Father,

Thank You for providing me with all of life’s necessities and for allowing them to be within reach physically. I pray that I never take for granted the things that You have provided. I am thankful for every meal that I’m able to put on the table for my family. I pray that the Christian community continues to reach out to those who are less fortunate and not grow content with the poverty that has a stronghold in distant parts of the world and in our own communities. Please use me to help meet the needs of those who can’t readily help themselves. I pray that my world view is always bigger than the people, places, and things that I can see from a reasonable distance. I ask all of these things in Jesus’ name, Amen!

CC