Harvest News
By Melissa Henderson “Come one, come all. Visit the county fair. See the homegrown vegetables and fruit. Enjoy the sunflower garden. Watch the butterflies going from flower to flower.” These statements are often heard or read in advertisements for local county fairs. The farmers tilled the soil, planted seeds, watered and fertilized the ground, and marveled as the plants sprouted through the soil and came to life. Then, a county fair became a great place to share the harvest. Have you ever planted a vegetable or flower garden? If you have felt dirt underneath your fingernails or wiped the sweat from your brow as you tended the garden, then you know that special feeling. The glorious blessing of watching something you have planted grow into a delicious food to eat or a beautiful sight to enjoy is amazing. When we plant those seeds in the ground, we have expectations of what will happen in the future. Checking the plants on a daily or weekly basis allows us to view any progress. This is similar to our faith. As a young child, my parents taught me about Jesus and His love. I attended Sunday School and worship service. I attended Vacation Bible School and other church events. My parents and other family members and friends showed me how to grow my faith. I learned by their example.
Did I make mistakes? Yes. Do I still make mistakes? Yes. Do I ask God for forgiveness? Yes. Does He forgive me? Yes. As a young person, I didn’t realize how many people God was placing in my life to help guide me closer to Him. Now that I am an adult, thinking about those special people brings joy. From neighbors to Sunday School teachers, to school teachers, to friends, family, and strangers, each person helped me draw closer to Him. Maybe I learned from their life example or perhaps by how they handled a certain situation. As an adult, there continue to be people who help me have a closer relationship with the Lord. Some folks will never know the impact their words or actions have had on me and other people. Sometimes, I will be able to share how someone has blessed me. When the seeds of faith are planted in a young person, we must wait and watch. We must continue to nurture and lift up the person in prayer. Everyone has their own unique walk with God. As we lead by example, we can rest assured the harvest is coming. Is there someone you can help to grow closer to God? Begin with a prayer and ask God to guide you along the way. The harvest will be plentiful when we walk with Him.
8PAGE | M8 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3
