By Andrea Compagnoni Wright, Faith Contributor, Valley Ag Voice
“For everything, there is a season, and a time for every activity under heaven … a time to plant, and a time to harvest.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1−2, NLT).
When we see the leaves visibly changing colors, we may call it the splendor of fall. While many understand the season of fall as a time for putting up decorations of pumpkins, attending harvest festivals, and preparing for the season’s holidays, the season means something different for farmers.
As the farmer climbs on his faithful tractor, plows his field, plants the seeds to grow his new crops, and waits for the harvest, he takes the seeds from his hands and into the hands of God. God is the Lord of the harvest. There is joy in the harvest, and the greatest satisfaction belongs to the ones who worked all year long.
As your family travels along the long dusty country roads to experience fall foliage turning vivid colors and the cooler evening air, you can sense it is harvest season. In a single moment, farmers realize that summer is over and fall begins. It’s time to harvest. Harvest is a significant time of year for farmers, and it can also be a challenging time. After months of preparation, seeding and planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and much more comes the time when you reap what you sow. Harvest means the time of year when crops are ripe and ready to be gathered.
While farmers work their fields, sometimes around the clock harvesting their crops, relying on the light of the moon after the sun sets. This is called the “Harvest Moon” because it aids the farmers to get their crops. It is the last full moon of summer and the first full moon of autumn. You might harvest your crops late in the summer and during the fall season.
According to the Bible, the greatest harvest of all is for souls.
“Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37−38, NIV).
As the Thanksgiving holiday is near it allows us to pause our lives to reflect as we remember our family traditions and give thanks for the food we eat and for those who grow it. It is my prayer that God will allow us to be used in His fields by applying the gifts He has given to each of us.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16−18).
