I have often wondered what manna is. Is it like Wonder Bread you may have eaten as a kid? Is it like warm bread just out of the oven? The sticky white substance makes me think of marshmallows, especially the soft warm insides of a roasted marshmallow just off the fire.
As I went for a walk the other day with golden leaves creating a beautiful carpet, I wondered if this was the sight that met the Israelites when they got up in the morning? Only it was white. So perhaps like that very magical first snow of the season, light flakes so delicately balancing on tree branches and blades of grass.
How did Moses and the people react to this miracle the first morning they saw it? What did this manna taste like? Like them, we too would respond “What is it?” God was listening to them. God was providing sustenance. God had not abandoned the people even though they were encountering a new place with little guidance and an unknown destination. Even though they were longing for the idealized past. Like us, they were in the midst of holy chaos.
In this story of God providing manna (Exodus 16:1-18), I admire their childlike wonder. The feeling that we get seeing beautiful fall leaves or the first snowfall or the perfectly roasted marshmallow.
When have you felt this sense of awe? What inspires this type of wonder in you?
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.