Faith Lessons from the Farm

During my summers, I volunteer at a local farm. It is hard, hot work, as we prepare the soil, plant, weed, harvest, weigh, and clean the produce.

I sometimes am taught more about my faith through the work I am doing.

As we are preparing the soil, I may contemplate the state of the soil of my heart. Is it rocky, hard, or ready to grow food? 

As we plant seeds, I can ask the Spirit what virtues it wants to plant in me during this week. 

As we are weeding, I begin to wonder about the vices and distractions in my life that are choking out the fruit in my life.

As we are harvesting, I may consider what virtues are still unripe in my life and which ones are now ripe. As I take time to notice the produce ready to harvest, I can also remember to hunt for gratitude and worship in my everyday life.

As we are weighing the produce, I can reflect on how the Spirit has grown the various virtues in me as well as mark this progress.

As we are cleaning the produce, I can contemplate what aspects of my culture and upbringing need to be wiped away from my faith, so only pure faith is left. 

What faith lessons from your normal routines can you tease out from your life?

On the Cusp of Something New

Once more, a season draws to a close, as the next season approaches. 

This can be a time of strong emotions, many of which conflict with each other.

It's possible to mourn the end of the current season, even while feeling excited and nervous for the new season.

We can feel both hopeful and optimistic as we look at the possibilities ahead of us, even as we might feel disappointed that we didn't check off as many things from our list as we had hoped. 

As my summer winds down, and I prepare to return to work in a local school, I am left reflecting on my summer and looking ahead to my new rhythm once the school year starts once more. 

How did I do with loving and supporting my husband this summer? 

How will I build and protect time with him during the school year? 

How did I do with connecting with family and friends this summer? 

How will I continue to connect with family and friends during the school year? 

What things did I accomplish this summer? 

What things do I hope to accomplish during the school year? 

What activities did not get accomplished this summer? Why?

What do I want my priorities to be during the school year? Why? 

What was my schedule and rhythm this summer? 

What do I want my schedule and rhythm to look like during the school year? 

When you are on the cusp of something new, you have the opportunity to reflect, reset, and refocus on what really matters.