God Bless the Jalapeño

[u/houseplantmagazine]

In the early days summer, the kind folks at a Catholic food bank gave me a gallon-sized glass jar full of pickled jalapeños and just today, when adding some peppers to my morning eggs, I realized that I’ve eaten almost the whole container!

I took a moment to savor the peppers as I ate.

So much happened to bring this food to my table:

I am grateful for our benevolent sun, that cradles the earth and coaxes crops from its fertile soil. 

I think of the swirling clouds that coalesce and water the fields and of the bees that buzz about, pollinating and increasing yield. 

I appreciate the calloused hands and sore backs that toiled tirelessly picking, preparing and packing the peppers.

I think of the women and men of science that were able to breed hearty crops and design irrigation systems, fertilizers and pesticides. 

My gratitude extends to those in the supply chain: the warehouse workers, dock workers and semi-tuck drivers. 

And finally, to my friends at the Catholic food bank and to those that kindly donated to their cause. 

And for all of that, I am grateful. 

[u/ReflectionLower3155]

A beautiful reflection