Reprinting from 2013.

Exodus 16:15-19 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.’” The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.”

Here By Habit

I was here by habit, and prayed by habit,
and lost my neighbor because I forgot to look.
And I gathered my manna each day,
and there was ever enough,
but still, without thought, I sought to save it.
Today, God guided me another way,
but of my habit,
I was still going south to meet my guests.
North was the direction I was sent,
but I didn’t notice,
my feet automatically ambling south.
Grace was with me yesterday and Sunday,
but did I miss it today as I went south?
What new possibilities did I miss?
Little ones with busted boots and frayed mittens,
and sad faces, tummies growling,
waited for me,
but I went my usual way.
What did I miss today?
Tomorrow I am going west. I listened to the call.
But tomorrow I will listen to be sure.
Your mercies, Lord, are new each day.

(c) Tom Bolton, February 6, 2013, Milwaukee

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