Thankfulness

Submitted by Mary Anne Grand- layperson from Raymore United Church 

October 7, 2024

Key Points From This Story:

• Rain interrupted the harvest again.
• Shorter days and cooler evenings affect farmers.
• Farmers worry about getting enough sunshine.
• Rain provides moisture for next year's crops.
• Some farmers may sell cattle due to feed shortage.
• Gratitude is important despite challenges faced.

As I sit to write this message, the weather has once again changed. Rain has interrupted the harvest, and once the again the combines have been stilled. The sunshine days are shorter, the evenings are cooler, and the dew seems to come sooner rather than later. All of this makes the farmers a little more anguish, a little more; "what if we don't get the sunshine we need, what if the birds start coming to the fields, what if!

As humans we forget to look at the whole picture; that rain is the moisture for next year, that rest is our safety so we do not get overtired and make a mistake. A time to rejuvenate, a time to look at the new day with grace and thanksgiving. Maybe our bins are not as full as we wished them to be; maybe the grade could be better. I know of farmers this harvest will have very little in their bins and will have to sell some of their cattle because of the shortage of feed. We need to take the time to be thankful and grateful for what we have, whatever it may be.

Praise and thanks to God for all God has done for us, for the blessings of family, friends and neighbours, for the beauty of our communities, for the wonder of life, and the mystery of love. Thank you, God, for the many gifts bestowed upon us, may we honour each one. God's Blessing.