What is A Hand of Tranquility & Harvest Lifestyle

RIPEN TOGETHER – Editor’s Letter

Many times, while growing seedlings I will take my hand and gently brush my hand across the tops of the small growing plants. The main reason for doing so is to prevent seedlings from becoming weak and leggy. This process helps to simulate an outdoor breeze and activates the seedlings into thinking they need to grow thicker stems to hold up against windy conditions.

A hand that can offer peace and calm provides a tranquil way for others to grow strong so that they can rise and stand in God’s strength. Especially during moments of turmoil.

GARDEN’S UP

Moving amid our garden I fill myself up with peace while watching my flowers sway in the wind. Since we live in Costal Virginia our garden experiences a lot of windy conditions, not only on stormy days, but on sunny cloudless sky days as well. If we did not offer our plants support and help to strengthen their stems they would fail to stand against the wind, perhaps breaking, never flourishing to their fullest potential. The duty of a Christ follower is to offer a hand of tranquility to those whose faith may be small or unknown. Offering a calmness that can alleviate the faint of heart.

My mother-in-law has often read an old article that appeared in Today’s Health called Garden’s Up by Marjorie Holmes. She read it aloud to the family as a group after the first harvest of each summer season. The entire family pitched in early in the spring to plant and care for all the delicious potential. The first harvest was a grand event, and everyone anxiously awaited the first zucchini in the skillet dish, green beans, and the coveted wilted lettuce. Our mouths were salivating waiting on the meal to be ready.

When the meal was finally prepared, we scootched around my mother-in-laws round table and quieted ourselves. My father- in-law would give thanks and we would turn our attention to her reading. It was our harvest tradition; reflecting on times past and joy to come.

That is what a harvest lifestyle is! One of thankfulness, sharing joy, and inviting others to the table.

ripen – a gardening lifestyle magazine represents a time to grow, to ripen, and develop character that is sweet to other’s souls. Drawing others to faith in Christ with the flavor and beauty of the garden.  

So, let’s dig in to RIPEN a hand of tranquility and harvest lifestyle.

– Kimberly Bloom, Editor