The Sower and the Seed

In Ontario harvest-season is in full swing.
It often makes me think of another plant and harvest scenario and
  reminds me of  one of my farmer-dad's favourite hymns...

 

The commission of word and deed

Which each of us employs

Is like a sower panting seed

In fields of need and noise

How sure the kernels strew the field

Where grace extends its lease

How certain, what seems yet concealed

Will render its increase

How hard the grind of honest toil

And earnest diligence/vigilance

How easy seems the striking spoil

Of pleasing indulgence

But Lord, whatever be our lot

Ere death our breath will bind

Help us to tend time’s tender plot

With Harvest Day in mind

Dear Lord, with conscience keen and pure

Let love for Thee implore

…to plant a crop that will endure

Upon the threshing floor

Where, when we meet Thee face to face

Should there be sheaves of grain

These but by merit of Your grace

Thy mercy didst sustain

 

Then, let us labour undeterred

By those who scorn and laugh

Lest, when sifted through by Thy word

All that remains is chaff

Lord, let our seeds of say-and-do

Be worthy of our days

Where purpose is our love for You

And labour is our praise

© Janet Martin

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, 

gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Matt.3:12