It's true, as Sarah says, that most of us who live in towns don't really relate to harvest as being produce that we have nurtured from seed. How many can truthfully say 'we plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land'? I know my friends Jo and Ian in Latvia can but most of us reading this won't. Many have moved away from the traditional celebration with fruit and vegetables displayed on a long table. In modern times many congregations opt to bring tinned food for the celebration so that it can later be given to food banks and help the homeless and those who are unable to provide for their families. Financially things are not as we would like and we need to count our pennies more than ever. We no longer have the luxury of eating out occasionally but on the other hand we have never gone without a meal or needed help from a food bank, not like many others in the UK and in other parts of the world. And so at this harvest time I thank God for His continual provision.
The other day while in the garden I saw a beautiful butterfly. I love butterflies. I think that most gardeners don't like what they have evolved from - caterpillars. The caterpillars seem to love to eat everything that we want to eat. But I'm reminded that the birds also love to eat the caterpillars and nurture their young on such treats. So as I love butterflies and enjoy having the birds visit my garden, I guess I need to have the caterpillars - as long as they don't eat too much! To get back to the butterfly I saw the other day - a rare sight now in October - it was just resting on the trunk of a tree, wings open, soaking in the benefits of the autumn sun. (See photo) Such a sight is priceless. I don't need a load of money in order to enjoy such a beautiful creature. I stayed for a few minutes just watching it and realising how little time I just sit and enjoy the blessings of the moment, not worrying about the future or what if ... ... Soak up the pleasure of now!
So although harvest isn't maybe what it used to be, I have been considering all the blessings I do have. I am fortunate enough to have a pc and access to the internet in order to shop, browse, learn and communicate with friends and family.
Harvest time/autumn is a wonderful time of the year bursting with incredible colours, especially in the trees as in this beautiful photo.
I have two wonderful sons and a very inclusive extended family.
I woke up this morning grateful that I have another day full of possibilities. I take my tablets and carry on doing all the things I enjoy doing.
Things may be better when ... ... as Jamie reminded me but right now I have much to thank God for. I am taking great pleasure in the now moment - a bountiful harvest of countless blessings.
4 comments:
I made a comment on one facebook post that was showing the accumulated tins for a harvest festival and bemoaned the fact there was no fresh food. I totally get the reasoning for it, as it is so much easier to deal with, but I still mourned the loss. It is not just about ease of distribution either, it is because those who receive the gifts also need to know what to do with the food given and sadly the skills of knowing how to preserve a harvest have been lost over the years.
I am grateful for the knowledge of how to make jams and pickles, both from recipes in books passed down from my grandparents and from the bountiful internet. I am also grateful that I learnt how to cook from scratch using the raw ingredients - the only jars I use are those I've made myself. Baked beans for lunch anyone?
Yes I agree that on the whole people don't cook the way they used to, although like you I tend to make everything from fresh ingredients but don't produce as much of my own as you do - we don't have the land to produce so much of our own food.
Having said that, we still can celebrate the harvest of blessings God gives to us I think by making it relevant to today's circumstances and needs, depending on where we happen to be living.
Thanks for this Mavis. Funnily enough, I am attempting to practice Mindfulness, enjoying living in the moment and being thankful throughout my day, until it becomes part of me. It is yet another exciting part of learning (or is it re- learning?) to see each new day as a prescious gift. So pleased to remember that others are also embracing this....still far to go, but I'm on my way! I read Jamie's blogs too. You might find Ann Voscamp's inspiring. I have just bought her "One thousand Gifts" DVD and study guide.
Thanks Julie. Does Ann Voscamp write a blog? If so can you message me the website address. Thanks.
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