In the morning
in the noontide
in the dewy eve
In the sunshine
in the shadows
When I was just a little girl, my favorite hymn was
Bringing in the Sheaves.
Sheaves: the fruit of the labor
The story goes that as we were leaving church I began to cry because we didn't sing my favorite song.
Since no one likes to hear a little girl cry, every one went back in to open a hymnal and sing.
I got to sit right by the pianist. Smiley face.
This past Sunday, Michael put this sweet old hymn in our bulletin to sing on my birthday. As we sang, I actually looked at the words.
Sowing and Reaping.
Sowing.
Sowing is serving, encouraging, teaching. At five years old the Lord was planting a heart of sowing. Many years later, when words in black and white confirmed that planting, and the head went to the desk to weep, I didn't recall the words or the tune.
That call was not for me alone. When Jesus was on His knees before the disciples, washing their dirty, nasty feet, He was showing all of us what to do.
When He was done, He said "Go and do likewise".
We are to wash the feet of His servants.
Serve them. Teach them.
In the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
In the sunshine, in the shadows, and with weeping.
We are to wash the feet of His servants.
Encourage them to stay on the path.
In the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
In the sunshine, in the shadows, and with weeping.
Every waking hour. No matter the circumstance.
From the heart.
Then sometimes when you feel tired, she comes with towel and bowl, and kneels down to take off dirty, nasty socks because she saw Jesus on His knees and said yes. Yes to come alongside and dirty some towels with you.
He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing,
bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the fruit of our labor one dirty towel at a time. Oh, the joy.
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