Harvest Time

I thought she said it wonderfully. A seasoned mom -- is that an okay thing to say, Helen? -- was comparing the reaping and sowing we do as mothers with planting and harvesting a garden. There is a season to reap the harvest and a season to sow the seed.

We live in the age of convenience. In our culture we are accustomed to having apples and oranges year round or roses whenever we want them. But in God's economy, such delights were only intended to be enjoyed in their season. We've been not only spoiled, but have lost touch with the reality of seasonal fruits. Gone also is the idea of working without instant reward. We have forgotten that some things take time.

There are seasons of motherhood where, as she so aptly said, there is no give and take. Well, there is -- mother gives, gives, and gives while they take, take, and take. That is by His design. It is the season of sowing, tending, weeding, and watering. There is no fruit on the vine. Maybe a small bud is developing, but full grown fruit is yet in the form of promise. But for those who labor faithfully -- and prayerfully, for most certainly He brings the increase -- the time to harvest will come. Most assuredly, it will come.

So look to the harvest, moms and dads -- look ahead, labor accordingly, and your reward will come in abundance. The lord of the harvest will be faithful to bring a bountiful ingathering.