Harvest Moon

The harvest is in the bins but it did not come without some pain and sacrifice. We spent numerous nights working until the dew was too heavy and the moisture count got to high. We gathered early in the morning over coffee and cookies (yes, homemade cookies) while waiting for word on the moisture level so we could hit the fields. Long days, breakdowns, changing bins, dark nights; all these really contributed to the physical and emotional drain we all felt. Combine this with the worry that we would not be done before the snow set in and when it all came to the end of today, I was personally spent (falling off the back of the truck during the clean out didn’t help any either).

We can feel like this with our spiritual walk. We pour into lives, invest in ministry, join the renovation crew, the knitting small group, the Pastor’s advisory committee and numerous other activities but then we start to burn out physically, emotionally and spiritually. We end up needing to take a break from some things and, in many cases, people don’t understand why one needs a break and they keep the pressure on. We finished the field, put the barley in the bins and I will now take a break but there are those who will continue to go forward. They still need to bale the straw and then do maintenance on the equipment but I am taking a break until needed again. After the break, we need to get back into the game, back into the field. Sometimes a short break turns into a longer break that never truly ends.

Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa 28-31 NIV

Sometimes we need to take a break but be careful not to check out. The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. Those who are fighting the good fight need help. Take a look at where you are in your involvement and if you have checked out, maybe it’s time to tag back into the game. Lord knows the devil is having a heyday pounding the righteous into ground but remember, after the harvest comes the planting season again. It’s time to jump over the boards and join the rush.

Blessings all

Pastor Todd