We’ve heard the term “growing season.” That causes me to wonder. Has God planted a seed in me that I’ve neglected to water? To fertilize? Where is my harvest? I don’t see a harvest.
My husband and I moved into our newly built home about 15 years ago. (Not the one in the photo above.) He planted grass seed. We watered, fertilized … and waited. Grass popped up almost overnight, and we were thrilled. But that first summer was a dry one, and we got busy working on the inside of the house. Winter came, and what green that was left in autumn was gone. We enjoyed a white Christmas, then planted grass seed early, while the chill was still in the air. Excited for the possibility, we read more seed bag labels and bought more seed, then planted again – as soon as spring became official.
15 years of repeating the same process! And ours is still the yard to be pitied.
My husband says, “It’s the sandy soil.”
“We need a sprinkler system,” I argue.
But we find ourselves busy doing other things … indoors. We save our cash for other things. My husband plants every year, he waters and fertilizes, but nothing changes. The weeds do well. We resign ourselves each year that our yard is a yard, not a lawn. Not lush and green and blending well with the neighborhood. We say, “Maybe next year. We’ll exchange our sand for some good black dirt and install a watering system.”
We don’t blend into the neighborhood in other ways. Like on Sunday mornings. One neighbor wakes early to mow his lawn. Another waxes his boat, and another heads off for their weekly shopping. Our friendly waves and attempts to connect may or may not be returned.
And I wonder. Has anyone planted a seed? A spiritual seed? Are their hearts made of sand, carried away by the least wave or wind, and growing nothing that will last from year to year? Do they have one of those underground systems watering their spirit while the rest of us sleep? Is that why they show no signs of thirst? Is it possible they should have great news and information, but have not yet delivered it to us? Could be, but not one of them has tried. Not one.
I do know this: Waving and speaking when our eyes happen to connect, and they are in the right mood, is rare.
Jesus told his disciples that “The harvest is plentiful …”
And we know he was not referring to grass. He’s not concerned that ours is a yard and not worthy to be called a lawn. My husband and I, after 15 growing seasons, have figured out that our labor has been in vain. Knowing why hasn’t fixed anything.
“… but the workers are few.”
Yep. We see no signs of spiritual work going on here.
But the Lord of the harvest says his fields are “ready.”
Pray for me, please. My hands have no callouses – no stories to tell. They haven’t worked a plow – not in a real long time. Last year’s shoes look brand new. They haven’t even crossed my street. No stories there either. I wonder why God would call someone to write who ignores so many opportunities to step into a great story. I can hear my voice quivering with fear. It must be weak, yet the Lord isn’t calling me to lead or to pave a new street.
He says, “Come, follow me.”
Pray for me please. I’m heading out now for a walk in my neighborhood. 1st time in a long while. If none of my neighbors are out and ready to return a smile and a greeting, it’s always “growing season,” even though the leaves are turning brown and falling. I’ll get some exercise, fresh air, and enjoy some well-manicured lawns … try to see the red and orange colors while they’re in season. Spending my prayer time on my neighbors today. The Lord of the harvest is wanting to grow something out of me. You too.
(Matthew 9:35-38.)
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