Autumn and winter are some of my favorite seasons. You have the start of fall, which is only a few more days, where all that was planted can now be harvested. Then as winter comes in, it shows us the priorities and the true needs in our lives. Now, to be honest, I know nothing of farming and agriculture, so what I just said could be totally false, but the idea of harvest season is something important for all of us. Harvest simply means gathering the crops that have been planted. It happens once a year during Autumn, and I believe this simple concept is how we need to live our lives as this harvest season begins.

I haven’t written on this blog in a little while, the last post was an incredible word from my dear Danielle, and if you haven’t read that, do it right now! We have been fine, this season, as for most of you, has been challenging. We loved the time during the quarantine, getting to grow together and have ample time, but now, life has restarted. For the most part at least. I have been called back, which is good in a financial sense, but the anxiety each day going into the unknown is a battle. Because of this, as with all change, you have to find new rhythms. In the midst of this as well, I have begun my Masters of Divinity, and this blog needed a break. As I come back, I am thankful for the seasons and the tests that have come, it has shown me to value what is important and what I need to let go of in my mind.

This is the concept of harvest.

Jesus teaches the people and his disciples by using many parables in scripture. One piece of scripture is found in Mark 4, and is called the “parable of the sower.” I recommend taking a look, it is so simple, yet so powerful. Jesus talks of a man who puts seeds in different soils, most are bad, but when he plants using soil that is good, it creates something beautiful. Jesus is talking about farming, he’s talking about our hearts and what we put into them.

Take care of your heart, let the love of Jesus fill you.

The soil that is bad have many different states as to why, but what it comes down to is this, there is no room for growth, so the seed dies. I think for all of us, we haven’t made room to grow. It might be pride, thinking that you have it all together. It could also be self-loathing, thinking that you’ll never be good enough, so why try. Both ends of the spectrum are complete lies, lies that Satan would love for you to live into.

This is not who you are. You are made by God.

Some days may be harder than others, but you are made in God’s image and he loves you passionately.

So, take care of your heart. This is true self care. Not just making time for you, but to cut out the garbage that is preventing you from true growth. I’ve learned that Instagram is really the only social media I enjoy, and that most social media is an echo-chamber; I need to be wise with the time I spend. I’ve learned that I want people around me that love me, and will also build me up and keep me accountable.

Above all of these, is making sure I am allowing the love of Jesus to fill me. Through scripture and prayer, I want to focus on something that truly gives life. That reminds me of who I am and who God calls me to be. I want to be a light, no matter what happens, and I want people to see myself and dear Danielle as people who love well.

This season may be challenging, and maybe you’ve felt lost. Our lives were completely upended, and I think we have a choice in this moment. We can let the frustration and sadness creep in, or, we can choose to be a light. Love others well and let seeds be planted in our lives. In the midst of the coming Autumn season, allow it to be a season of harvest. Planting new habits and rhythms in your life, so that you are focused on what really matters. As the season changes, let a change begin in you.

Take care of your heart and let the love of Jesus fill you, then you will experience a bountiful harvest in your life.

-Joshua Thomas

About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a writer by day and superhero by night. When he’s not writing and crimefighting, you can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. The young writer doesn’t fully know what he’s doing, but is enjoying the journey of it all. You can follow his hipster photos and Jack Kerouac musings on Instagram @joshua_thomas__