Harvest

As we move through this autumn season into winter, the journey from summer’s warmth and light into winter’s cold and dark, it is upon us to gather the last of the summer harvest to put by what we will need to sustain us as individuals and as community throughout the long winter. In addition, it is time to evaluate what has served us well as an individual and, again, as community. It is time to preserve and lay by the seeds we will plant in spring that will provide us another year of life.

My mind, as always, turns to seeds of kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, delight, joy, laughter, and as always, love. Similar to the old legend of Johnny Apple Seed, I will be scattering the seeds of love wherever I go, and to whatever catches my attention.

If, however, you find it difficult to spread the generic kind of love offered in the Bible as “love your neighbor as yourself,” sow the seeds of steadfast kindness instead. I tend to see kindness as compassion in action. It nurtures and sustains life in positive ways that are far-reaching and long-lasting.

What is the harvest that will nurture and feed you through winter? What are the seeds you plan to preserve and plant in the coming spring? Whatever they are, thank you for joining me in this beautiful and ceremonial time of fulfillment, commitment, and gratitude.

Blessings,
Charlotte

**Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31, and Matthew 22:39 The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha.