Even though the good people of Kansas live in an area identified with agriculture, there are some among us unfamiliar with the concept of breaking up the fallow ground.  Farming practices have changed over the years, but it used to be that the mule-drawn plough dug into the earth the same depth year after year.  This created a hardened layer of soil beneath the surface.  Every few years, the farmer would need to plough a little deeper to breakup up this shelf, so moisture and nutrients could penetrate it.

There are times in the life of an individual  or an organization when it is necessary to break up the fallow ground.  This is because the long-cherished tried and true is no longer getting results.  I believe this can be said about issues relating to hunger and poverty, and I believe, Numana, a local nonprofit is a vibrant example of breaking up the fallow ground.

Numana has compiled some sobering statistics:

• 1 in 6 residents in El Dorado go to bed hungry
• 56% of USD 490 students qualify for the free and reduced lunch program
• 21% of Kansas children live with food insecurity
• 52%  of El Dorado residents are considered low to moderate income

Numana is taking a fresh approach to an old problem with the development of a garden and food system.  Stage one of their concept is in the incubator  now and will come to life this Spring with the birth of  “Community Gardens” and “Communal Gardens” (numanagardens.com).

While there are many different questions to the why of hunger, I know there is at least one answer to the what of hunger—What can be done?  People can get off their backside, go outside, and work alongside of Numana to give hope to the hungry.

If you’re not local, you can still do something at a distance.  You can contact Numana and give a gift to help.  If you are physically incapable, you are still prayerfully able.

 Mahatma Gandhi stated it this way:  Be the change that you wish to see in the world.

I would be remiss, if I failed to give the spiritual application to the concept of fallow ground.  Because we can get into a spiritual routine, there are times we need to dig a little deeper.  So, if your sweet disposition has turned a little sour; if your rosy optimism has withered; if your fountain of faith has run dry; and, you know a little change is needed, I may have the answer.  If you are willing to set aside just 3 minutes a day, you can start digging a little deeper.

The tools to do this can be found at rbc.org.  This ministry has several positive and uplifting mediations that you can either read or listen to as a podcast.  These are tools I use each day and I give them priority status.

Here’s a thought to keep you thinking:  There are 1,440 minutes in a day, and just 3 of them can make a difference in your life.  Start digging!