As I was looking for a new template for my blog today, I couldn't believe how many were decorated in fall colors! Autumn is still so far away - or so it seems for me. I looked up online when the first day of autumn is this year and it is September 23rd! Yep, this month! It's hard to believe it is already fall in the United States. It's still hot here!!! The leaves are still as green as green can be. Mangos are still growing on the tree outside my window. It is rainy season for us. This is one of those times that I miss being in the States. No fall decorations here in the malls! For the first time in my married life, I am not decorating my house for fall. I miss the smell of cinnamon and spices. I miss the changing colors of leaves on the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. I miss the feel of winter setting in. I would enjoy that today! As I sit here in the quietness of my room, the windows open and the fan blowing, I can hear the sound of frogs and geckos. Through the stillness of this evening, my mind wanders back to playing in mounds of leaves with my brother, raking leaves with my Daddy, and making pumpkin pies with my Mother. These are the sweet memories that God has given me.
In the United States, we generally refer to this time of year as "fall." The word "autumn" is normally used only in science. However, did you know that many years ago this season was referred to as "harvest?" People stopped using the term "harvest" as they moved from working the land to living in towns. It is now only used when talking about the actual activity of reaping. I can't help but think of the verse Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." I have to admit, I have had my days of weariness but God has always sent something special to me during those times to lift my spirit. But something much greater than this gives me the will-power to press on - the word "harvest" as I see it. I see a great harvest everyday. I am surrounded by this great harvest. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few." The harvest is still plenteous and the laborers are still few. The spiritual harvest is vast. Many have not come to the true knowledge of God and salvation. Harvest time is when critical decisions are made. Only God knows the exact moment when someone is ready for "harvest" and only He can give the increase. Harvest is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season. We are living in the harvest time. There isn't much time left! The Lord will soon return and the harvest will end. Pray for us as God continues preparing us for the hard work ahead. We are working hard now learning the language, people, and customs of this beautiful country. We are anxiously awaiting the day when without an interpreter we can work one-on-one with the precious souls here as they become "white already to harvest."
