Harvest Time

Leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow and red. The air is crisp and cool. Crops are being brought in at a rapid pace in an attempt to avoid Winter's first freeze. All signs suggest it is harvest time in the South.

Harvest does not just happen. It is a labor intensive process that consumes the farmer's year. The ground is prepared and the seed is sown. For what feels like an eternity, there is no visible sign of life. Then the first sprout of green appears. The farmer patiently waits for the plant to mature, vigilantly protecting the seedling from destructive forces. A watchful eye is kept on the sky while praying for the perfect balance of sun and rain.

Once a healthy plant appears, the waiting process continues. It takes time for the crop to yield its fruit. The farmer patiently observes the field's development, waiting for the perfect opportunity to harvest the best crop. If the farmer attempts to harvest too soon, the fruits of his months of labor have not reached their full potential. Conversely, if harvest is delayed too long, a bountiful crop will be lost and cannot be recovered.

Doesn't that sound like our lives? No wonder Scripture is filled with allusions to farming and harvest. The principle applies to our vocation, parenting, and spirituality. We would all benefit from becoming students of the soil.

Some crops require more growing time than others. It becomes difficult to patiently wait while other farmers joyfully go to the fields to harvest their crops. The same is true in life. It can be challenging to watch others experiencing fulfillment and success while you remain in the growth process. Whatever stage of the farming process your life is currently in, take hope. As sure as the sun rises, harvest time will eventually be yours. Don't get in too big of a hurry and try to rush the harvest. The patient farmer that carefully watches for the prime harvest season will reap the greatest yield.