by Martha June

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 

Corn fields have always been a favorite of mine. Watching corn grow through the seasons in perfect rows never fails to satisfy me. Corn signifies summer on its way, my Grandparents house being near, and slowly, something so simple becomes something so meaningful.

In the United States, planting season begins in April and continues throughout June. (Thanks google for the timeline) In the months following, the corn develops from a small seed, into a sprout, and eventually a stalk yielding the corn itself.

I find all of this meaningful in my life as of late. Last year around June, the idea of me interning in Nicaragua was being tossed around. Quickly blooming into plans for the following June. I was on the way to my Grandparents house when it hit me how real my life was about to get. I would be starting my senior year, graduating, and then soon after, my childhood dream would come to fruition. It was the final stretch so they say, crunch time, and the countdown would begin.

I just so happened to be passing a cornfield in that moment. Fresh stalks were peeking through the dirt, and everything was golden in the afternoon sun. Silent tears began to wet my face as I realized how big this was. I would be leaving the summer after Senior year. There would be no saying goodbye to friends as they left to start their next phase in life. I would be far away from family and anything normal. And I would be missing the corn grow. 

Isn’t it funny how significant little things can be as life progresses?  Fast forward to June 2017. I was finally on a plane, moving to Central America for a while. No turning back Y’all. My excitement was building stepping off of that plane. I may or may not have skipped through the airport.

After getting settled in our house with our host family, we began to familiarize ourselves with our new city. Tipitapa is one of poorer parts of Nicaragua. Seeing tin sheds, families in one room and a city that appeared to have the very life sucked out of it was humbling. As I say that, looking back, I have seen just the kind of life that does live there. Those people are so full of kindness, joy, and love. Even if it wasn’t obvious at the time, they are incredibly full of life in a way some of us may never understand.

In the midst of so many new surroundings…I saw something so familiar. Our neighbor had a small corn “field” in his front yard.

Que the tears.

God is in the details.

Let’s just say that a lot of growth happened during those two and half months. In some respects, you could say I grew right alongside the corn. Starting at the beginning with a new culture, a new schedule, language, friends, challenges, and even bugs. I was a seed being planted by the Gardener who knew exactly where I would thrive. In spite of what some may consider difficult circumstances I know I was where I was supposed to be.

When God plants you at a specific place and time in your life. Never will he ever set you up for failure. Even when you can’t see victory in the immediate future.  Instead, he intends for you to thrive, even when problems surface.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of  faith.” Galatians 6:9

To be honest I questioned my timing of coming home. While overseas I played with the idea of staying longer than I originally intended. I felt as if I had just started and so much more could be done.

Now, two months later, I am realizing God’s timing is perfect. The season of growth overseas is now over. I have gotten the joy to share all God did in that time, and am growing in different ways these days.

Guess what friends? (The significance here just makes my heart cry with gratitude.) Corn is harvested beginning in October and finishes in late November. Then the field rests until the spring comes the following year.  Some may read this post and think “man this girl finds way too much meaning in corn” and you may be right. But just like the corn, I benefited from the harvest full of sweet friendship through the people God placed in my life, and now am blessed to rest until God plants me elsewhere.

For those of you in a hard growing season, or just coming out of one. “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it until it receives the early and the late rains.”  James 5:7 

 Many of us may not see “the precious fruit of the earth” this side of eternity.

“He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6 

No crop can grow without first tilling the field, riding it of weeds, rocks, and anything preventing growth. As most of us can attest, getting the field ready for seeds is painful. In spite of the discomfort, it is such a key step. Skipping the hard season will only stunt the growth of new life.

Dear friends, may this verse meet you where you are. Whether it is a time of tilling, a time of harvesting, or a time of rest.

“Do not say ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest?’ Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” John 4:35-36

The hardships we face in this life, from the smallest to the largest, will not be for nothing. As the corn grows in times of breaking ground, perfect weather, and all forms of storms and rain, Christians do the same.We have a savior Jesus Christ to prepare the ground, plant the seed, water the sprout, and rejoice in the harvest along with us.

“Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. ” Acts 3:19-20

Sincerely,

I love sunflowers too, but that is another story for another time.