Bumper Harvest!

My eyes have not been deceiving me.

It is official! There are loads of acorns on the oak trees this year. 

Apparently, every so often, trees such as oak, beech, sweet chestnut and hazel produce a bumper harvest. This year is one such.

Scientists are not sure why this seems to happen, but it may be to ensure that there are better chances that at least some of the acorns, beech nuts, chestnuts and hazels will grow to maturity, so that the species survives. 

At the Vicarage, with our 15 oak trees, this means we shall be submerged beneath acorns. Anyone want some?

Jesus spoke of a bumper harvest, in his famous parable of the sower (or the soils).

Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4.8-9)

And as his disciples hadn't really understood what he meant in this fascinating parable, he explained it all. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4.20)

The key to being fruitful, and producing a bumper harvest in our lives goes to the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus - those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest.

So in the rush and bustle of this day - term starts for many, pressures on every side - I need to take time to read, reflect and respond to God's word to me and through me. Then all my activity will be fruitful. Without that time for reflecting and responding, all the frantic activity will be fruitless. What a waste!

Which will be true for you?
Best wishes,

Richard