My oldest grandson was here Saturday night so that he could leave yesterday morning for Camp Lone Star in LaGrange, Texas, with the group that went from our church. On Saturday afternoon I had him go out to “harvest” with me from our raised beds. We picked green beans and sugar snap peas and the first of what I hope will be many cherry and grape tomatoes.

I say “harvest” because that is what one of my granddaughters told me we were doing last year when she helped me. I liked the way she put it and decided to call it that from now on. And when she said “harvest” it reminded me of the hymn below. It is usually sung around Thanksgiving, but I think it is worth a sing when we pick our vegetables as well. Ponder on these words today.

Sing to the Lord of harvest, Sing songs of love and praise;
With joyful hearts and voices Your alleluias raise.
By him the rolling seasons In fruitful order move;
Sing to the Lord of harvest A joyous song of love.

God makes the clouds rain goodness, The deserts bloom and spring,
The hills leap up in gladness, The valleys laugh and sing.
God fills them with his fullness, All things with large increase;
He crowns the year with blessing, With plenty and with peace.

Bring to this sacred altar The gifts his goodness gave,
The golden sheaves of harvest, The souls Christ died to save.
Your hearts lay down before him When at his feet you fall.
And with your lives adore him Who gave his life for all.

Lutheran Service Book #893

As you ponder, remember that you are one of “The souls Christ died to save.”  Marvel and rejoice today that Jesus “gave his life for all.”