Daily Delight
There is a new energy on the farm these days…Harvest has begun! Harvest is the culmination of the growing season. All the work of planning, planting, cultivating and praying becomes evident as the combines roll and the grain is gathered.
The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us about the order of life. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV). Living on the farm does make me more aware of the rhythms of life under the sun. Each day I am surrounded by the wonder of the changing of the seasons and the purposes for each one.
Our lives are also comprised of seasons. There are seasons of discovery, the planting of new dreams and directions. The springtime of seasons are marked by new opportunities to learn and grow…new friendships that stretch and encourage. Once the newness is gone there is a time to lean into the moment and to cultivate relationships and roles. The ‘summer’ is sometimes marked by uncomfortable times, “working through the noonday heat”. But soon the hard work of endurance produces harvest. The ‘fall’ is often the most richly colored season of all. The fruit of perseverance is abundant with deep, enduring relationships and accomplishments that have weathered the heat of summer. Goals are achieved and dreams are realized.
No matter what season you find yourself in at the moment, know that God is with you in the midst of it. He will give you courage in the ‘springtime of discovery’. He will sustain you in the heat of the ‘summer of cultivation’ and He will celebrate with you in the ‘fall harvest’ of completion. There is a time for everything…God’s good and perfect time. Take time today to reflect on the season you are experiencing. Breathe deeply and walk boldly with God with eyes open to His leading and His faithfulness to you in your particular season of life.
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Photo: @fromevelynsheart
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Bonnie Arends
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Bonnie is a woman who finds her identity and mission in Jesus. She is passionate that others will come to know the Living Hope that she lives in and from each day. Bonnie's life verse is, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).
Bonnie lives 'in the middle of a cornfield' with her farmer husband and son. She enjoys the space and quiet of rural living and is especially thankful for the beautiful sunsets she experiences over the farm's vast pastures.
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