Harvesting Hope

In a Fruitful Future

Most mornings my youngest daughter comes to me in a baggy Tshirt and torn up jeans and looks at me expectedly awaiting my assessment of her outfit. I say it looks fine and she stresses out and ponders three other options. Then the piece de resistance (parton my French) the dreaded question of what shoes to pair with this unique ensemble. Usually, whichever shoe I suggest is the wrong one for many painful reasons. Today my daughter approached me standing a little taller than usual, smartly styled with a fashionable color coordinated outfit that flattered her pretty shape. Sure, there were holes in her jeans, and we still had the shoe conversion, but I saw a glimmer of something new.

Last Friday we finally made it to the DMV after many obstacles and delays, where she triumphantly attained her driving permit. She was on cloud nine. Maybe this morning she is still glowing with self confidence from her success. Maybe my little girl is growing up. My little girl is growing into a lovely woman. And I think she is starting to like the new her. It is rewarding to watch her blossom.

This morning I read a blog I really liked and want to share, so rather than send two unrelated posts in one day and have you saying, “Dang Sheila! Enough with the constant emails.” I decided to combine the two. As I write this I see they kind of go together anyway. The message I read was about harvests and really, parenting is a constant process of planting and sowing and weeding and ultimately harvesting fruits.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:7–9)

I'll admit, I am a lazy, haphazard gardener. When I get a good harvest, it is mostly luck and the plant’s own will to thrive. I mean well, but my follow through is lacking. Fortunately for my children, God has guided me and graced my efforts in parenting.

Lately, my links have not been working, which is frustrating because I enjoy sharing things I have found online. I put the website at the bottom of this post for Nivbible.com. Craig Groeschel broke down the message of Galatians so clearly in terms everyone can hear and understand. I like his message that habits determine our harvest. Good habits bring a good harvest and likewise bad habits result in a poor harvest. He has some great advice for reflection for areas in your life where you a not producing desirable fruit.

Here’s a divine assignment: Take an honest, prayerful look at the disappointing parts of your life. Ask God to help you search your heart. Then pinpoint the habits that have led to each aspect of your life that isn’t what you want. Avoid having a victim mentality or blaming others. That will not help. Take responsibility by identifying the habits you’ve sown that have led to your harvest. Then decide on a type of seed you will consistently plant to get a better harvest.

If you don’t like what you’re reaping, change what you’re sowing.

Because you reap what you sow.

Adapted from The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most by Craig Groeschel

https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/you-reap-what-you-sow/?utm_source=zbibles&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nivnews042423&utm_term=NIV%20News

Thank you God for blessing me with such a lovely family. I love their hearts and spirit. Help us to continue to plant good seeds and thank you for blessing the harvest.