Reflections: Celebtrating Harvest

"You shall observe the festival of harvest, of the first fruits of your labour, of what you sow in the field. You shall observe the festival of ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in from the field the fruit of your labour."
Exodus 23 vs 16

"You shall keep the festival of booths for seven days, when you have gathered in the produce from your threshing-floor and your wine press. Rejoice during your festivalFor seven days you shall keep the festival to the LORD your God at the place that the LORD will choose; for the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all your undertakings, and you shall surely celebrate."
Deuteronomy 16 vs 13-15

Many churches celebrate Harvest at this time of year, giving thanks to God for the produce of fields, gardens and orchards. But compared to the celebrations we find stipulated in the Old Testament we might think our events lack a bit of excitement! Celebrating harvest helps us remember that ultimately everything we have comes from God, and reminds us to give thanks. That might mean giving thanks not just for food, but for our homes, workplaces, churches and the people around us.

What is your 'harvest'? What (or who) is it in your life that sustains you, in body, mind and spirit? How might you go about celebrating that?