Preparing for the Harvest

This time of year has become my favorite over the last couple years. The dark mornings and early nights tend to slow me down, which gives me more time to think, look back and plan for the upcoming year.

Being a home school mom, I look at the year as Sept.-Aug. instead of Jan.-Dec. So, all of my planning for school, ministry and life follows this same schedule.

In September I tend to evaluate what I’ve done over the last year, and pray about what God has planned for me this year.

My focus this year is to reach my children’s hearts more than studying textbooks. I’m focusing on my relationships with them more than ever before. This has not been easy, but I have begun to see fruit for a future harvest. One of my little blessings has opened their heart to me, and several hours over a week’s time was spent lovingly listening, advising and ministering to their heart. What a blessing it has been for me to see God working via changes I felt Him guiding me to make.

Each fall I also look beyond my family to the ministries God has led me to. At times there have been things I had to let go of, even though I truly loved being a part of them. God must direct my steps and my fingers. Otherwise I’m doing things of myself and in my own strength, and thus not ministering with God’s blessing.

There is always much work to be done at home, in our workplace, and in ministry. We must be wise to ensure that our current focus is God’s will for our lives at this time. I’ve found that a yearly review and dedicated time of prayer helps me to accurately assess where God wants (or doesn’t) want me focused.

We must remember that though the workers are few and the harvest is plenty, we must be in the right field to reap the rewards God has for those who serve Him.