“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”
Joe Fox, You’ve Got Mail
This quote comes from a modern romantic comedy, written by Nora and Delia Ephron. The authors adeptly draw us into their story by showing scenes of blustery fall days-with autumnal foliage, pumpkins and steamy mugs of coffee welcoming us into the tale that’s about to unfold.
I can relate to the sentiments of Joe Fox, too. I do love New York in the fall. Actually, I’ve come to love the whole fall season in general. No doubt being a career teacher has encouraged these sentiments. I get excited when I see Back-to-School ads, kids and parents shopping for supplies, and stacks of Crayola packages lining the checkout stand at the grocery store. If I could, I’d send each of you a box of 64 crayons right now (by the way, this big box celebrates its 54th birthday this year)!
I’m also appreciating fall more and more because I realize how the Lord used this season of harvest to share the truth about His purpose and about our calling here on Earth. Look at these words from Scripture:
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:35-38
Just like the farm fields that are ready to be harvested during this time of year, Jesus reminds all of us that there are human souls that still need to know about Him. These men, women and children have yet to understand that God is offering them the greatest gift they could ever receive: salvation! And this gift is theirs for the taking! They only have to accept it for themselves-simply asking Jesus to save them for all eternity.
Jesus’ compassion for this immense harvest should encourage us to step out this season and see what part we can play in helping others know more about Him. It should also urge us to live out our faith in new ways each and every day. Who knows where that person may be who is watching and waiting to find out what you will reveal about God’s great love for him or her.
So, as you sip your Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, look around you and pray for everyone from the patrons to the baristas. As your kids settle back into school, sign up to help in their classes or somewhere on campus. If your children are grown, you’ll still be welcome because most schools desperately need volunteers during these trying economic times.
Most of all, enjoy this amazing season of life the Lord has placed you in, and keep falling in love with your heavenly Father who has amazing plans for you!
Don’t forget to pull out your copy of Fall into the Hands of the Father, which includes daily devotions for this awesome season. Happy fall from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Month
As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat, summer and winter,
day and night will never cease.
Genesis 8:22
