聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Though its sixteen years since we left the prairies, spring still holds wonderful memories. No, not just because, hopefully, winter was over but because the time for working the land had come. I鈥檓 not a native-born Saskatchewan-ite 鈥揑 grew up in British Columbia, nor am I a farmer, but truth is I simply fell in love with the people and the culture of the small towns where we lived.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 This week鈥檚 musings were prompted by my weekly task of baking bread. On that particular day my thoughts turned to the process involved in moving a truckload of wheat from burial in a field to becoming part of our breakfast meal. It鈥檚 a long and arduous journey and no steps can be eliminated if a good crop is to be harvested at the end of the season. Even before that process begins rocks are cleared from fields and spraying for weeds has to be done.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Once that鈥檚 accomplished, can the farmer wipe his hands of responsibility and rest until it鈥檚 time to harvest? Certainly not! There鈥檚 more spraying to be done, fields to be inspected and great diligence paid to the condition of the crop. Finally, barring hail, frost, wind or disease, it鈥檚 time to reap the fruit of the farmer鈥檚 labours (and expenses). It鈥檚 harvest鈥nly to be followed by the grinding of the grist mill.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 In my musings I thought of the parallels between growing wheat and growing a Christian; God works in our lives, enhancing our capacity to bless others. He neither spares nor wastes any effort in blessing us and those around us.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 James 5:7: 鈥溾�� See聽how聽the farmer聽waits聽for聽the聽precious fruit of聽the聽earth, waiting patiently聽for聽it until it receives聽the聽early and latter rain.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Lord, I鈥檓 here. Work in me and through me, fulfilling all Your purposes.
