And Now, theHarvest Begins…

By Lucinda Secrest McDowell | August 31, 2021 |

Today is the first day of September, which for me will always mean that Fall has begun! And, with Fall comes harvest – a time of “gathering in.”

All the planting, all the nourishing, all the work and all the joy have brought us to this place. And now we see the fruit of our lives laid bare for those who will come and taste.

Do you ever wonder what your own harvest will be?

I love how God’s Word reminds us, Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have aharvest if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

Summer is over and now we move forward into a new season. Tempted to give up? Instead, why not just keep living each day the way you want to be remembered? Live your legacy now.

We don’t get to choose our beginnings. Some start out in the rocky soil of poverty, family crisis, or disability. Others are born into a rich loam with resources and people to nourish and care. Most of us fall somewhere in between. But we all have to find our own way.

Because we do get to choose whether or not we will finish well. “No matter what season of life we are in, what developmental stage we are passing through, or what struggles we are facing, we can pause and intentionally choose who we want to be. We have an incredible opportunity to choose the pathway toward a flourishing finish.” (Dr. Catherine Hart Weber)

We will “have a harvest if we don’t give up.”

New York Times columnist David Brooks made this observation about people, “Resume virtues are the skills you bring to the marketplace. The eulogy virtues are the ones that are talked about at your funeral – whether you were kind, brave, honest or faithful. Were you capable of deep love? We all know that the eulogy virtues are more important than the resume ones. But our culture and educational systems spend more time teaching the skills and strategies you need for career success than the qualities you need to radiate that sort of inner light.”

Brooks came to the conclusion that those he admired had achieved an inner virtue, built slowly from specific moral and spiritual accomplishments.

Do you realize that all that pain and patience in growth is helping accomplish this in your soul?

That dwelling in the presence of God is forming you into a person of fruit and virtue and legacy? You don’t need to be better than everyone else, just better – deeper – than you used to be. And that happens gradually. Do not despair the process, for harvest is coming.

What have you committed your life to? This, friend, will be your harvest – your legacy.

Benediction: My child, all your growth is reaping rewards. There is a harvest, only some of which you will witness on earth. Your legacy will influence those left behind. They will remember how you lived, what you cherished and fought for, and all you taught them through words, prayers, and extraordinary actions. So live your legacy. You can count on My presence always.
Lucinda Secrest McDowell in “Dwelling Places”

May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda

“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com

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