r/BenignExistence • u/houseplantmagazine • 5d ago

God Bless the Jalapeño

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. 

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22

u/ReflectionLower3155 5d ago

A beautiful reflection 

11

u/Snarfleez 5d ago

This is so sweet and beautiful. I love taking time to appreciate what I have and to reflect on just how lucky I am to live in an age where I have more luxuries than any medieval king ever did.

Also, This was so well-written, it was a joy to read. I shared it by reading it aloud to my SO. The pacing, the alliteration, the flow of ideas... surely you've written professionally? If not, you might want to try your hand (pen?) at it - you've got quite the knack!

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u/houseplantmagazine 4d ago

You are exceedingly kind. I am so flattered that you felt compelled to share this with your SO! I'm not a professional writer just someone who has penned many words over the years. Thanks again and be well! 🙏

8

u/Afraid_Wallaby_5995 5d ago

Thank you so much for sharing this. Thinking about that sort of things makes me feel connected. To you, to my fellow readers, to the world, to all these invisible hands that care (and there is no order in my naming them). 🥰

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u/thomsenite256 4d ago

We could all do for some thoughtful reflection on where our food comes from and everyone that makes it happen along the wya.

1

u/Decent_Brush_8121 1d ago

That was soo uplifting—we all ought to tailor for our own situations, and invite others at the table to create their own for the next meal together!

Sure, it would be especially great for Thanksgiving, but I’m thinking this kind of tribute would be perfect every day! Send a copy to the company who puts out that product—anonymously, if you want.

English teachers, wouldn’t this be a beautiful assignment?

And studies have shown that prayer for others yields popsicle results, even if the prayer and prayee don’t know the other even exists.

I’m so inspired by your words that I want to emulate you! And I’m sending you good vibes that you’ll always have what you need when you need it. We know you’ll certainly appreciate it.

You have shown us quite elegantly how to value the picked pepper jar half empty — thank you 🤗

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u/Navitach 13h ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/Q59MqYVGwnOwiKIRNA
I know It's not the same thing, but the title of your post reminded me of this.