harvest
Bright sunshine blazed through the nearly barren trees as the sun rose on this frosty morning. Lying randomly beneath the huge tree in the front yard are pecans ready to be collected, dried, and stored. The task began several days ago as we made our path from the outside perimeter to the inner core near the tree. Several bags were filled before we made a single round, so many more remain for today’s harvest. One of the several nearby squirrels has also found her way to the abundant harvest of delicious nuts. The quite ample supply gives assurance there are more than enough to share. The simple act of harvest, though challenging to this stiff Parkinson’s affected back, is a welcomed retreat from the seemingly unavoidable news reports of terror, and political and religious strife. Grasping each exposed pecan nut from its protective outer shell in which it matured affords an opportunity to express thanks for this fine harvest that will be shared over the coming season. An escape from the complex world around us into the seemingly simple world of collecting the gift of harvest brings with it great joy through which gratitude gains its opportunity for expression. The germination and development under various climate conditions of this gift of nature is far from simple, but its rendering enables for us a simple act of harvest. May you find within the complexity of your day that special chance to give thanks for the harvest before you, in whatever form it may take!
The sweltering morning heat and humidity engulfs even as we open the door to accomplish some outside chores. Lush and green, the grass seems to sparkle as the dew lingers in the mid-morning shade. Gracie, seemingly delighted to have a puppy reprieve, frolics freely through the field searching out morsels and just the right spot to accomplish nature’s call. As I trek toward the nearly overgrown garden, the trusty canine companion makes her way to join with me as she “oversees” my harvest gathering. Two ripe tomatoes appear to have sustained a rabbit over night, so they are left in place in hopes that already tasted renderings will be sufficient to keep the harvest sharer from the greater goods. Testing the boundaries of this Parkinson’s rigidity, we squat and bend to search out maturing cucumbers for the delightful jars of sweet pickles that enhance sandwiches throughout the winter. Grateful for the harvest, we gather a bag full that has ripened since yesterday. Readjusting to a steady standing position, this thankful taker of the summer’s bounty walks with his ever caring canine companion slowly back to the cool reprieve of the air conditioned old farmhouse. As we put away the small harvest gathering of the morning we express grateful prayers for the opportunities to experience this day’s possibilities.