Gary Miller ~ outdoortruths.org

 There is no doubt the fall is most people’s favorite time of year. I’m not sure why it trumps spring, but it does to most people. Hunters like it because it affords us the greatest opportunity to chase after several types of game. Fishermen like it because the fish get their second wind of activity with the cooler water temperatures. And then there’s the opportunity to watch the shades of green turn into an array of spectacular colors for those who want to take a trip to the mountains in the autumn. All in all, it really is a wonderfully special time of year. 

 If the spring represents new life, the autumn signifies a harvest. We see this all over our farming communities. It is the season to reap what we have sown. It is also the time to prepare for the winter. 

 If you spend time in the woods long enough, you will see all sorts of animals preparing for the long, cold, and barren winter. Some will store up food, put on extra fat and hair, and locate the best bedding areas to get ready for the short days and long nights of this cold time of year. But all of the reaping and preparing will take place before the harsh season ever hits. 

 There is one thing for sure; one can never be prepared without a harvest. There is comfort and security in the harvest. A good harvest means that preparation will be assured and will come without concern. A good harvest is a blessing from God. 

 I have always said that I have never met an atheist hunter. What is perhaps more rare, is an atheist farmer. He has learned that no matter what he does, without God’s blessings of rain and his protection from calamity, the harvest may never come. No matter how improved his equipment may get or his ability to read the land, he is still dependant on the guiding hand of God. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. While his hands hold to the plow during the day; they fold in prayer at night. 

 So here’s to you, Mr. Farmer. You have taught us about work and stewardship. You have showed us how to live from the land and how to get it to produce in the most difficult circumstances. But perhaps your greatest example has been one of humble faith, that no matter what a man does or has, he must still depend upon God for the increase.