Harvest Thanksgiving

 

Harvest invites us to pause. Before we rush on to the next task, the next worry or the next thing on our shopping list, we are asked to notice what we have received.

 For there is so much for which to be grateful.  The harvest of farm and of field is top of our minds.   I live in the countryside and see it growing.  And there are tins and packets in my kitchen which came from distant lands. 

Then there are the harvests of friendship, forgiveness, companionship, laughter, that carry me through difficult days.

Not every harvest is what we would choose. Some people come to this season carrying grief, loneliness, illness or financial worry.   Gratitude does not make all our troubles disappear. But even in difficult times, we may discover small signs of God's presence: a listening ear, a helping hand, a moment of peace.

 Our gratitude, too, should turn us towards others. If we are grateful for God's generosity, we can become more generous ourselves. If we are thankful for our food, we should care about those who go hungry. If we are thankful for kindness, we should offer kindness. If we are thankful for the gifts of creation, we should do what we can to protect them.  Harvest comes in many forms and we need to remember that the earth is not ours to exploit but God's gift to us, entrusted to our care.

 May the harvest of our lives be rich in gratitude, generous in love, and faithful in service.