Pastor Jim Jackson

Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church

Earthworms, I’ve always had an affection for those wiggly rascals. Though not often seen or appreciated by many folk, they have an important role in our world. I first came to appreciate them when just a boy. Living among many lakes in Florida, I learned to fish as a child. We didn’t buy worms of course, for they were plentiful for those who would take the trouble to look. Soft, moist soils with plenty of organic matter was where we found common earthworms and those wonderful wigglers. We preferred the latter.

Worms wiggling on a hook are irresistible to bream, catfish, and even bass. The sacrifice of worms meant satisfaction to the boy on the other end of a cane pole. But, of course, worms have more important roles.

They aerate soil with their burrows, making the soil soft with the additions of their droppings, which means they also enrich the soil for our lawns and gardens. :You ever wonder how earthworms living in dirt all the time come up clean, sticky maybe, but clean? And I can only wear a new tie for a day it seems before it’s soiled.

Then too, earthworms are good for freshmen biology labs. Remember that? Dissecting a worm gave us macho males at opportunity to demonstrate our imagined masculinity, while most girls winced when examining worm innards. Ah, the joy of being a tenth grade male. But still, girls did the best job dissecting worms, Neat, I mean. Seems mine looked like they were run over by a lawnmower.

Yet there’s something about worms that mystifies me. You ever noticed how they want to crawl out of a good burrow with plenty food and moisture to cross a sidewalk? Most of them don’t complete the pilgrimage. Instead the dry up in the heat and resemble what might be called “worm jerky.” A waste, but maybe not, for my dog loves worm jerky, yet not enough to save on dog food.

That dangerous inclination toward discontent reminds me of ourselves, our failure to appreciate what is already ours. Remember the prodigal son? He looked for a better life in the far country when he had it all at home, discounting his elder brother, of course. We read, “he began to be in want.” I don’t mean to discourage travel and adventure. Just be careful in this summer’s heat, looking for a better place.