For Every Matter, An Appointed Time

It's been quiet around Hickory Hill.  As I mentioned in the past post, it is a season of waiting, and a time of doing the little things.  

Most people who do what we do are busy planting seed starts and putting them under grow lights or in green houses. Believe me, I have toyed with the idea of having a green house. I have even done seed starts as well.  Right now, I have two small trays giving a head start to those itty bitty seeds that tend to get lost in the rain or parched in the heat.  

Last year I learned a few things: seed starts are too delicate and need too much extra care when putting them outside.  I found that the time and energy spent to give my growing season a headstart, was more often than not wasted as the majority of my starts died.

Another important thing I learned is simply my opinion, but we as homesteaders make more work for ourselves when we insist on prolonging the growing season and doing things that have not been done for several millennia. I believe it would be better for us all to embrace the idea of growing seasons wholeheartedly, allowing ourselves more time to plan - and prepare.

"For every matter there is an appointed time, even a time for every pursuit under the heavens: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot..."  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

I believe we need to spend more time and energy in growing those things which grow best locally, learning which pests are common and how to prevent their damage, knowing weather cycles and how to help your plants thrive despite them, and learning to wait for everything in its season.

I know waiting is hard.  I have dealt with that long wait for several years.  I love a good tomato just as much as any other person who spends time growing food.  

But what if we just need to listen to Him speak to us? What if He is saying, "Wait! Just wait!  Trust Me!  Have I not promised to give blessings in due season?" Instead we create blessings for ourselves out of season, content to say He has blessed us, when in my opinion, the real blessing comes in waiting. Watching.  Trusting. Hoping.  

**Disclaimer: These are simply my thoughts and not intended to be an attack against anyone who does grow seedlings or use green houses.