Learning from harvest season

September is traditionally called “harvest month.” Because the Bible was written during an era when many people lived in farming communities, it is filled with stories and lessons about “the harvest.” Even though farmers work all year long raising various crops, designating a specific harvest month can remind us of important lessons of faith.

Here are a few. First, most good things in life take time. The Book of James uses the analogy of a farmer participating in the harvest as a prime example of learning patience.



James writes, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the ..

. rains” (James 5:7). Patiently waiting can be frustrating.

However, the lesson of harvest season is that patience comes with a reward. Second, most good things won’t come instantly. Instead, a process is required.

A seed takes root and begins to produce fruit over a period of time after watering and tending. The fastest-growing plants are usually weeds. When we participate in a process, like patiently tending the seed from its raw form all the way to maturity, we learn and grow in regard to discipline and maturity.

Also, at the end of the process, we receive the benefit (the “fruit”) of what we so patiently tended. Finally, harvest season reminds us that things tend to work better in community. Farmers have always valued community.

The Bible is filled with emphases upon community, often using the analogy of “harvesting” to get the point across. For instance, when Jesus gives his disciples the command to evangelize (spread the word about faith), he states: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38). The implication his clear: Our life and work go better when we live and work together in community.

Many other lessons can be gleaned from looking at the harvest. So, during this harvest month, take time to reflect on those lessons. As we do so, remember to pray for those who are out in the field reaping the benefits of the patient process of planting, planning and reaping the fruits of their labor.

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