Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fall is a Time for Giving

September 22nd is the first day of the Fall season. This is the time the fields are harvested of fruits and vegetables. Corn, squash, apples,

pumpkins and so many other healthy and delectable treats. I, like the many of us that are not farmers, run to the grocery store to to pick the best of the offering for our tables.

We are commanded, 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' Leviticus 23:22.

So if we are not farmers we must ask ourselves, how can we fulfill the scripture? We must look at our families and neighbors and out into our community with giving hearts to see how we can give of the harvest to those in need. Does your sister's family rarely enjoy fruit because it is so expensive? Send a fruit basket anonymously. Does a family in your neighborhood rarely have fresh vegetables because they are so many? Fill a cornucopia with fresh vegetables and leave it on their doorstep.

There are so many wonderful charities that give food to those in need in our communities. While we may not be able to give fresh fruit and vegetables to these charities, canned, jarred and boxed fruits and vegetables is a modern way for us to give of the harvest and fulfill the scripture.

Every week this fall if we select just one or two sale items (boxed scalloped potatoes, canned corn, a jar of apple sauce) and drop them in a food collection barrel, we are giving of the harvest that we reap. I feel blessed to be able to feed my family and committed to helping provide for those less fortunate. Fall is a beautiful time for giving. I like to think that every time a red, orange or yellow leaf falls from a tree, one person in need has reaped from the harvest of our great land.

1 comment:

  1. Your idea of fresh veggies or fruits is truly a great idea! Now with the economy and people getting laid off, it will have more meaning than ever.

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