Driving through the Iowa countryside, I’ve noticed that most all the corn and beans have been harvested, with just a few fields remaining, which means harvest season is about over around here. About 10 days ago, the forecast was for overnight temperatures to drop into the low 20’s and that was my cue to get the rest of the crops picked at our house. The tomato plants have been fairly productive this year and even till the first freeze, some were blooming and putting out new fruit. So we picked every green tomato that looked viable and will give them all a chance to ripen on the counter. We did the same with over a hundred pears that were still on the tree as well. Maybe you found some local pumpkins, or had other produce of your own that you have enjoyed. What things do you enjoy most about Autumn and the harvest season?
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. James 5:7
As we move through life, we start to realize that life has many different seasons as well, progressing from childhood to adulthood with work and a family, and eventually to retirement and grandchildren, when we can look back and reflect on what has transpired in our time. At some point we realize that we are not as young as we once were and hang up our competitive basketball sneakers to avoid getting injured, and move toward giving more advice and encouragement to a younger generation in both our work and leisure pursuits. What season of life would you say you are moving through right now?
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
Earlier this week, I was visiting with some missionary friends and they were sharing their experiences from the past 17 years in one location, where they have seen seemingly small advances in a majority Muslim country, but also shared their optimism of what the Lord has done in the hearts of many believers there. They are transitioning to a new country which brings both joy and sadness in leaving a place and people they have grown to love. We can look over our own lives and find both reasons to weep and to celebrate what the Lord has done in our lives and in those around us. Let us stop and reflect from time to time as we move through each season of life and give thanks for what the Lord has done for us, and will continue to do when our season is gone and we are no longer here.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Yours in Christ,
Clark
