Enjoying the Harvest - Part 2

Amanda Bennett

 

Before we go on, let me take a moment to share the definition of "harvest" with you, taken from Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: harvest -- to gather in (a crop). A farmer plans for his crop all through the winter, then prepares (cultivates) the soil in early spring, and finally plants the seeds of a new crop. Throughout the summer, he works on maintaining and protecting his crop, from drought, insects, and weeds. And then at the end of the summer, he finally begins his harvest, gathering in this precious crop that he has worked so hard to grow. Can you see the similarities to our efforts as parents? We plan, plant, grow, nurture, and somewhere along the way, the "harvest" concept kind of gets lost in the search for both shoes, the car keys, the "right" curriculum, and on and on.

Just like raising a stand of fruit trees (or maple trees, pecan trees, etc.), so goes the way of raising a child, in a way:

• A season to prune and maintain the plants themselves (the physical needs as well as the emotional needs).
  
• A season to fertilize to invigorate the plant's production of fruit (talking, reading, sharing, putting information and caring into their lives).
  
• A season to tend the fruits as they develop (keeping an eye on their interests, activities, etc.).
  
• A season of harvest, when the fruit is enjoyed and preserved, keeping an eye towards the future for the next season of growth (protecting them from harm during tough times and planning the next season of growth).

And then, of course, the cycle begins anew, as the cycle of life thankfully continues.

Given some time for reflection, you can "see" back through this past year and remember some prime "harvest moments", both educational as well as emotional and spiritual. There are also some moments or events that strengthened and united your family, as well.

 

To be continued next week!

 

Blessings,

Amanda B.

www.unitstudy.com

 

Enjoy the upcoming season of harvest - the Thanksgiving Unit Study is now downloadable - follow this link!