Harvest Time

Have you ever planted a garden?
I remember as a child having my first garden. I had to prepare the soil by tilling the ground. At the time it seemed an impossible task until I realized I was not alone or left with just some instructions. A close friend of the family, Mr. Langhorn guided me through the steps of tilling the ground and removing the weeds. I learned later that the soil had to be properly prepared to receive the seed so that it might have the best chance of producing fruit. As we began that day, I quickly realized I needed some help and my family gladly joined in. We worked all day to ready the soil for the seed and at the end of the day it was time. I was carefully instructed on how to plant each seed with attention given to its proper depth and spacing. I was so thankful that my friend took the time to mentor me by not only telling me what to do but also showing me and allowed me to work under his watchful care. At the end of the day I was very tired but extremely satisfied with all the work that had been accomplished. The next day I could not wait to see my new garden and its wonderful produce but much to my disappointment there was no change. I learned that I had to be patient and wait for my plants to begin to grow. Every day I would quickly run to the window and check to see if any of the seeds had begun to grow. Little did I know they were growing under the soil little by little. I will never forget the joy I felt when it seemed like all at once the ground was filled with little spouts. I was so encouraged by this and started paying more attention to the weeds that had began to sneak in unnoticed. As my plants grew so did the weeds and in an effort to keep them out I would remove the whole plant, remove all the weeds and place the plant back in its place. My mom saw me doing this and explained this was not a good practice as I could kill the plant in the processes. I also remember watering the plants and being given careful instructions on the proper amount. Little did I know how important this was because too much or too little water could also kill the plants. The plants seemed to grow very quickly as I continued to wait for the first signs of fruit. One day as I rose early to check my new garden much to my surprise I say the first signs of fruit. I was so happy and ran back in the house expecting everyone to come help pick my new found fruit. I was told I must be patient again and wait until the fruit ripens before I could pick it. As I waited I learned there are many enemies of the garden. I noticed littbugs, birds, and other animals had taken notice of the new found fruit and the weeds seemed to pop up every day. I was instructed on ways to protect new plants. Then the day came when it was “Harvest Time”. I was thrilled to finally reap the harvest of my labor and thanking God for His rich blessing.
When was the last time you planted a garden?
I am not talking about an earthly garden but a heavenly one. Are you planting seed? You can never expect to reap a harvest if you are not laboring in the field. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38 “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Are you in the fields? Are you reaping the harvest? I know the work is hard and we seem to have so little time. Jesus is looking for workers. Will you volunteer or will you mentor another? Today listen to the words of Jesus our Lord “Do you not say, there are yet four months, and [then] comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” (John 4:35)
Father, my prayer is that we would labor for You and Your kingdom and for Your glory. Give us the wisdom and strength to accomplish Your divine mission and callings for our lives. Amen.

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