Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Sirach 35:6
Driving by brown wooden farm stands wrapped in curling corn husks and laden with fall’s bounty of luscious looking red apples, yellow-tan and green squashes, bright orange pumpkins and golden Indian corn, it’s easy to think about the plentitude and fullness of harvest time! Even on a tight budget, one can typically find a bargain there and leave with their hands full. In addition, walking outside in the fresh, sun kissed air, we cannot help but feel a sense of well-being, of being close to the earth and the cycle of life surrounding these crops that endured through all kinds of weather.
What a delight to think about appearing before our Lord one day, our hands full, our arms laden with the fruits of our labor! Colorful gifts harvested over time; during sun kissed joyous days, stormy rain filled moments, and the cold, barren occasions sprinkled throughout. As we hold our full arms out to Him, humbly offering our simple collection with thanksgiving for all He has provided to enable these things to flourish, despite any hardship we encountered, may He look to us and say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).”
Lord! You give us a lifetime and many opportunities to gather good things to humbly offer to you at harvest time! Thank you for loving us so!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson