Harvest Home

Plump, ripe brambles. Such a bounty at this time of year. They’ve been harvesting these flavoursome berries for a few weeks in Angus. As I walked this morning, I scoured the verges to see if I’d missed our own wild harvest here. Relieved to find that although some are black, many remain red and scrawny. More sun please.

Fruits ripen at different rates, dependant on many factors: warmth, rainfall, sunshine, wind. Filled with the Spirit, we want to see the fruits of the Spirit developing within us for others to enjoy. Some take longer than others to mature. I remember the familiar anecdote about the woman who prayed fervently for more patience, only to find her children more challenging than ever. God was simply providing the perfect environment in which the fruit could ripen – or wither. The woman’s attitude would make the difference there.

What’s my attitude today? As I cry out for one thing or another, am I prepared to find that the way to maturity isn’t always basking in the sunshine – though it might be!

Abundance Part II

So this morning Dusty was energetic and enthusiastic to walk, which was lovely. God is blessing us with yet another beautiful day. Hallelujah!

I found myself yet again picking ripe little rasps and filling a doggy bag. It does amuse me to think that the drivers of the few cars that passed us must think I’m extremely fastidious to be picking up after my dog even in the wild woods where nobody but a few of us go. But actually, this time the doggy bag is bursting with berries.

Pulled a few redcurrants off a neighbour’s bush – they are away semi-permanently and I’m afraid they are going to spoil. Someone else has given us roe deer steaks which I’m going to attempt to cook tonight, and an online recipe calls for redcurrants. God has provided through my neighbour’s bush.

More abundance. And yet I’m so aware that we are unusual in this unjust world. That there are many who, if they even have a cupboard, have one that is bare. It is heart-breaking and action-inspiring.

I’m also aware of words which Jesus told his disciples. He once said that his food was to do the will of his Father in heaven. Now that is amazing. Jesus found that obeying God was like sitting down to a banquet and enjoying a big meal, and being satisfied. 

Real nourishment is found not in food that spoils but in the Word that remains fresh forever. God invites us, ‘Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life. ‘(Isaiah 55)

Jesus’ ears were wide open to his Father, and he listened and obeyed and thereby found life. 

God doesn’t provide bounty just along the roadsides and in the gardens of our friends; he provides a steady stream of manna from heaven, food that satisfies eternally.