Fall is one of my favorite seasons. First of all, its a budget conscious person's dream. You can cut way back on water for the lawn and yard. There is no need for air conditioning. Don a morning pair of fuzzy slippers and a cozy robe and there's no need to turn on the heater. This all adds up to the lowest utility bills for the year! The weather is divine with sunny afternoons, coolish evenings, and that ever present signiture crispness in the air. Feast your eyes on autumn trees drenched in majestic hues of crimson and gold. A pleasant stroll around the neighborhood reveals dazzling yellow, red, and copper chrysanthemums in the yards and leafy autumn colored wreaths on the front doors.
Autumn is the perfect time to swap out that backyard grill for a lazy steamy crockpot. Homeade soups and stews are starting to sound appealing. How about a trip to the apple farm with the family? Don't forget to bring home a fresh baked pie for desert. And who can resist a pumpkin spice latte at Stabuck's? Wouldn't you love to chat and pray over coffee with a special friend?
Yes, fall has many perks and can be an amiable transition from the glorious days of summer. It also brings to mind the theme of the harvest. “Harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.”(Wikipedia) It is true that the farmer will reap whatever type of crop he sows into the ground. Each crop has its own growing season or cycle, taking a certain length of time to complete. The Lord uses these concepts to illustrate the consequences of our own lives and conduct. In the book of Galatians, the Heavenly Father reminds us...
Galatians 6:7-10
“Don't be mislead. Remember that you can't ignore God
and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires
will harvest the consequences of decay and death.
and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires
will harvest the consequences of decay and death.
But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life
from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good.
Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest
of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity,
we should do good to everyone, especially to
our Christian brothers and sisters.”
from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good.
Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest
of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity,
we should do good to everyone, especially to
our Christian brothers and sisters.”
Galatians 6:7-10
(NLT)
These are sobering words, but also words of hope and encouragement that our good works will be rewarded in due time.
As we head into the autumn season let's ask the Lord to lead us in paths which will bring glory and honor to His name. May we pray for wisdom, discernment, and grace to do those things which please God and which benefit and edify others. Then we can look forward to a harvest of blessing, both in our own lives and in the lives of those we touch.
By Cathy Friberg
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