Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. The daily rhythm is established: gather in the morning before the sun rises high, because when the heat comes the manna dissolves. The window for gathering is narrow — not a leisurely shopping trip but an early morning discipline. The discipline required to gather before the heat mirrors the discipline required to maintain any spiritual practice: early, regular, before the day's business crowds it out. Psalm 5:3 says in the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. The manna economy trains Israel in the morning discipline of seeking before the day's demands arrive. The spiritual practice of daily dependence is inscribed in the daily food.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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