Processing the Harvest
These days, most people buy their food from stores. This makes things simple, as the foods bought are usually pre-washed, packaged, and sometimes already processed, without even needing to cook them. In light of the current events in the nation and the economy, my family decided to start growing our own garden. I grew up learning how to garden by living near my grandparents for many years. My grandfather was an expert gardener, and he had gardening figured out like an artist, so I was not afraid of the challenge. To save time, we will fast forward to the meat. Literally, the fruits of our labour came in from planting our seed broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, etc. We were being blessed with an abundant harvest! However, this is when real panic sets in for me. Now, don’t get me wrong, you can simply remove the veggies from the plant and begin cooking them after washing. However, when you plant 12 cabbage plants, you get 12 cabbages. At once! That’s overwhelming! What was I going to do with all this abundance? I should’ve prepared ahead of time for this!
This got me thinking about life. I believe that we, as humans, are all created with unique gifts and talents. Are we processing these things into something of value and purpose? Or are we allowing them to spoil on the kitchen counter, hoping for better preparation next season? The Bible speaks a lot about the benefits of not wasting talents but making good investments (Matthew 25:14-29).
On the other side of the coin, I think of those in the Kingdom of Heaven and the responsibilities we have to those who are new kingdom citizens. Those whom Jesus referred to as “My Lambs” in John 21:15-18. Are we caring for these as Jesus called us to do? Are we feeding them “milk quality” lessons so they can understand the word of God in simplicity. Are we ensuring they are being integrated into the flock correctly and safely?
Bringing in your harvest can take many different forms. It can be exciting, and even overwhelming! I know that with some preparation and mental readiness, I can process my garden harvest, so my labour is not in vain. What will you do with your harvest? It is not enough to simply grow the harvest; we must do something with it!
