The Harvest

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I loved reading the beautiful story of Joe and his uncle Aaron and imagining the profound impact this relationship would have on them for eternity.  Have you ever learned a spiritual lesson or seen one reflected through your own farming or gardening experience?  Why do you think God  relates so closely to the land and farming?  Does God's concern for the land tell you anything about His character? If so, what?

Blessings,

Iris

Comments

Maggie A Pearson said…
My family has a cattle ranch in NM and there is nothing (in my opinion, haha) that makes you feel closer to God. A couple years ago, I found a cow having trouble birthing her calf. I coaxed her about a mile to the nearest pen and convinced my dad to let me pull the calf. Watching that brand new baby enter the world was the absolute coolest thing I've ever experienced. That precious little calf was our "harvest" from having taken care of her mama. I wish more people could experience the fulfillment of the concept of harvesting something (anything) from the land. It gives you a great appreciation for the simplicity, yet complexity of God's creation.
January 18, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Unknown said…
Beautiful story Maggie! I see your experience as a perfect example of one of God's creations bringing forth fruit during its season but also in a time of crisis and then being rescued and protected by another of his creations, one of His own precious children. A heart of compassion showing up at the perfect moment - no coincidences here, huh?!
January 18, 2011 at 4:10 PM
Brenda Sorrells said…
Maggie, I loved your post. Your insights and experience are a blessing.

Both my parents families were farmers, my dad farmed before I was born, but the lessons learned and appreciation for "the harvest" is permanently etched in my DNA. Farmers are such a testimony to patience and trust especially for "dry land" farmers. Waiting for rain??? Wow! The work is hard.

Reading Margaret's story, I learned that our "fields" reveal who we are. Crooked rows reveal eyes not focused on the goal. Small compromises (bends in the rows) lead to inefficiencies and bigger consequences. One must look to something to reset the row, but it is hard.

If I blame God . . . it doesn't help to prepare me for the next harvest. Harvest is work and requires faithfulness.

Harvest reflects success and failure in the Bible. If comes with responsibilities - allow for others. The lesson is what we have is really not our own, but God's instead. We are to give freely.

Harvest also brings excitement. Harvest will never cease.
Thanks Margaret!!!
January 18, 2011 at 9:30 PM
Jackie said…
Brenda, I really liked your comment about our "fields." I don't think we often realize how such small compromises in our lives can lead to such deviations from the paths God would have us follow. Obviously God does, because He admonishes us to stop the compromise while it is still in the "thinking" stage, such as in Matthew 5.

One of the points that really stuck out to me this week was that of gleaning. Her comment that "gleaning teaches us that it is not about having more; it is about having enough" really spoke to me. As I look around at the abundance in my life, it has made me question, How much is enough? I think the answer may be a lot less than I have or think I need.
January 19, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Brenda Sorrells said…
Oh Jackie, you hit on it for sure. Charlton has been hammering on that pretty hard lately. We are so spoiled and self absorbed, we do not have any idea how much is enough. I pray that we CAN "get it"!!! So we can reap the joy of the harvest.
January 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Anonymous said…
This reading and the rereading of the parable of the sower reminded me that discipling is important. Just think if the sower had spetn a little more effort on the rocky ground and removed the rocks and the thorny ground and remove the thorns what the harvest might have been. What if we remove the "rocks" and "thorns" in a new Jesus follower's life to they can thrive and grow instead of dying out before they take root in the goodness of God's love? Just a thought. Debbie Cook
January 19, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Maggie A Pearson said…
Oh I love the crooked rows reference! So very true. Small compromises are just not small at all.
January 24, 2011 at 10:58 AM
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