Giving Thanks
posted by on 11/21/08
Well it must be time for harvest.
This morning the field behind our building took on a new look. Evidently, the last winter melon had been gathered in by the diligent farmer. Now it was time for the remaining growth to be plowed under, this time by another farmer on a tractor. The field was probably less than an acre in size but it took several hours. It also required care and patience, even with effective machinery, and suddenly I remembered another harvest…. On Tuesday of this week I had looked out over a group of children who had finished a morning at the English Village. The attentiveness and respect they had shown was commendable. A good deal of learning had taken place and the day seemed to go quickly because we enjoyed it so much. Their eagerness to learn represents a larger harvest indeed.
Praying for laborers in the harvest is one of the commands of Christ and a request that was on our hearts in preparation for this year. That prayer has been not only answered but has also turned into a prayer of Thanksgiving! This year’s teaching teams have been ready to labor in the harvest. Through typhoons, schedule changes and pioneering efforts, we have learned patience. On our team in particular I noticed that even on a long day like Wednesday there was a spirit of contentment and complaints were few.
Way to go team. I’m thankful for you. God continue to bless you with patience and be your exceeding great Reward.
The Lord open all our eyes to look on the fields around us the way Jesus did. – PS: Michael, Robert, and James arrived home safely this evening to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.
It must be interesting to see farming going on there in Taiwan. In September it was amazing to drive through Ohio and Indiana and see the expanses of cornfields. Returning in November they had all been cut and the sunrise on the stubble fields gave that wonderful sense of “…all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin…” Donald, may you take every opportunity to mention the sweet name of our Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, who alone made peace between God and man.
Amen Michael. Peace be with you too this winter.