Somebody had carved this little pumpkin awhile back. What was once a smiling jack-o-lantern fresh, bright orange and alive was now moldy, rotting and falling in on itself. The smile was collapsing, the eyes had sunken in and it looked like it was vainly struggling to hold on to what little life it had. No big deal as I had seen a lot of rotting pumpkins before. But I couldn't get the image out of my head. And no, it's not because I have all the Halloween horror movie dvds either. But rather that fall is not only a time of unequaled splendor and beauty but also a time of preparation and harvest. With winters cold almost lifeless grip soon to come to our northwoods, it was a reminder to me that we all have seasons in our own lives. Yes, my friends, we are like that pumpkin. We too come from a seed lovingly created by our Father, perfectly designed and entrusted to our earthly parents. We are planted inside our mother's womb to grow and are born soon after. We are fed, nurtured, taught and loved. The pumpkin seed is planted in good soil. Watered, fed and given sunlight. It too sprouts forth with new life, and grows. Just as the years pass from our childhood through the teen years and into adulthood, so grows the pumpkin from sprout to plant to a young green gourd into a bright orange sphere that fulfills it's God ordained potential of nutrition and bounty. In God's perfect plan for all His creation we are designed to reach our potential too. To live out the fullness of our days and use the appointed season's of our lives to bring forth our ample bounty in goodness, grace, love, mercy and just as importantly in passing along His message of hope and salvation to others. For we will soon be that pumpkin, old and decaying physically. But unlike the pumpkin's candle which will burn out, we have an eternal light. One that shines in us for all of our days and through all the seasons of life and into forever. There remains in us a beautiful spirit of hope and vibrant life no matter what we look like on the outside! We can help bring others into the joyous harvest that is a right relationship with Jesus Christ right up until we pass from this world. So unlike our little pumpkin whose' purpose is defined and who's life is limited ours is not. Mark you season's well and be sure not miss your time of harvesting. Because it's not the pumpkin that will sit before the Lord on His porch giving an account someday!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
When Autumn Leaves Fall.
As I was walking over to our daughter's house yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but take in the colors, sights and sounds of my favorite time of year. Between the brilliant palette of oranges, burgundies and yellows on the many stately maples and oaks lining the street were the squirrels and chipmunks running helter skelter with cheeks full of seeds and nuts to store in their winter hideaways. A flock of geese perfectly aligned and flying in harmony soared southward overhead. I could hear the raking of leaves and even smell the odor of burning piles. It seemed like the whole neighborhood was one big symphony of activity. It was almost as if neighbors, furry friends and birds were carrying out a divine set of orders all choreographed with a Distinct Stamp of synchronicity and purpose. I was especially struck by the many displays of mums, pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks on the front porches of charming old homes. Each one carefully decorated as if they're awaiting the approval of a select panel of judges. The only thing missing was the smell of pumpkin and apple pies baking. Wow, what heaven! But before I go get all Norman Rockwell painting on you, I was especially struck by one particular sight. As I was walking along I noticed a particular little pumpkin all by itself. The house was older and a bit disheveled looking with paint peeling off the porch and a yard that needed some tlc. Nonetheless, here was this pumpkin sitting on top of a porch post by itself. What's so unusual about that you say? Well nothing at first glance. But it was then my spiritual eyes took over.
Somebody had carved this little pumpkin awhile back. What was once a smiling jack-o-lantern fresh, bright orange and alive was now moldy, rotting and falling in on itself. The smile was collapsing, the eyes had sunken in and it looked like it was vainly struggling to hold on to what little life it had. No big deal as I had seen a lot of rotting pumpkins before. But I couldn't get the image out of my head. And no, it's not because I have all the Halloween horror movie dvds either. But rather that fall is not only a time of unequaled splendor and beauty but also a time of preparation and harvest. With winters cold almost lifeless grip soon to come to our northwoods, it was a reminder to me that we all have seasons in our own lives. Yes, my friends, we are like that pumpkin. We too come from a seed lovingly created by our Father, perfectly designed and entrusted to our earthly parents. We are planted inside our mother's womb to grow and are born soon after. We are fed, nurtured, taught and loved. The pumpkin seed is planted in good soil. Watered, fed and given sunlight. It too sprouts forth with new life, and grows. Just as the years pass from our childhood through the teen years and into adulthood, so grows the pumpkin from sprout to plant to a young green gourd into a bright orange sphere that fulfills it's God ordained potential of nutrition and bounty. In God's perfect plan for all His creation we are designed to reach our potential too. To live out the fullness of our days and use the appointed season's of our lives to bring forth our ample bounty in goodness, grace, love, mercy and just as importantly in passing along His message of hope and salvation to others. For we will soon be that pumpkin, old and decaying physically. But unlike the pumpkin's candle which will burn out, we have an eternal light. One that shines in us for all of our days and through all the seasons of life and into forever. There remains in us a beautiful spirit of hope and vibrant life no matter what we look like on the outside! We can help bring others into the joyous harvest that is a right relationship with Jesus Christ right up until we pass from this world. So unlike our little pumpkin whose' purpose is defined and who's life is limited ours is not. Mark you season's well and be sure not miss your time of harvesting. Because it's not the pumpkin that will sit before the Lord on His porch giving an account someday!
Somebody had carved this little pumpkin awhile back. What was once a smiling jack-o-lantern fresh, bright orange and alive was now moldy, rotting and falling in on itself. The smile was collapsing, the eyes had sunken in and it looked like it was vainly struggling to hold on to what little life it had. No big deal as I had seen a lot of rotting pumpkins before. But I couldn't get the image out of my head. And no, it's not because I have all the Halloween horror movie dvds either. But rather that fall is not only a time of unequaled splendor and beauty but also a time of preparation and harvest. With winters cold almost lifeless grip soon to come to our northwoods, it was a reminder to me that we all have seasons in our own lives. Yes, my friends, we are like that pumpkin. We too come from a seed lovingly created by our Father, perfectly designed and entrusted to our earthly parents. We are planted inside our mother's womb to grow and are born soon after. We are fed, nurtured, taught and loved. The pumpkin seed is planted in good soil. Watered, fed and given sunlight. It too sprouts forth with new life, and grows. Just as the years pass from our childhood through the teen years and into adulthood, so grows the pumpkin from sprout to plant to a young green gourd into a bright orange sphere that fulfills it's God ordained potential of nutrition and bounty. In God's perfect plan for all His creation we are designed to reach our potential too. To live out the fullness of our days and use the appointed season's of our lives to bring forth our ample bounty in goodness, grace, love, mercy and just as importantly in passing along His message of hope and salvation to others. For we will soon be that pumpkin, old and decaying physically. But unlike the pumpkin's candle which will burn out, we have an eternal light. One that shines in us for all of our days and through all the seasons of life and into forever. There remains in us a beautiful spirit of hope and vibrant life no matter what we look like on the outside! We can help bring others into the joyous harvest that is a right relationship with Jesus Christ right up until we pass from this world. So unlike our little pumpkin whose' purpose is defined and who's life is limited ours is not. Mark you season's well and be sure not miss your time of harvesting. Because it's not the pumpkin that will sit before the Lord on His porch giving an account someday!
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