Prepared . . . Unprepared

Early Thursday morning I received a message from our very own weather man, Gerry Davis.  He said a freeze was forecasted for the Ozarks on Sabbath.  Immediately, last week's article came to mind about the 72 hour warning.  I didn't have quite that much time, but two days was still a blessing.  I was so thankful for the warning, so very thankful.  The temperature had hit 80° earlier in the week.  Here I've been writing article after article about winter coming, signs of heavy snow, preparation, yet in my own life I was letting some details slip by unnoticed.

The wind had really kicked up Wednesday afternoon, and there was a definite chill in the air through evening chores.  Although garden production had all but ceased, it was still lush and green, with a few cucumbers, peppers, and good sized green tomatoes.  I knew the day was coming soon that would officially end this garden season with a frost, but it was still just at the "knowledge stage."  The windows, after all, were still open throughout the house!  The note from Gerry told me, the time was at hand.  Knowledge would not save my plants or bring in the last of the harvest.  It was time to implement an actual plan of action!

The passage in Proverbs that mentions a "little folding of the hands . . ." came to mind, but I haven't been idle at all.  Everything else was winter ready and with the plants, I was literally just choosing to wait until the last minute.  Now, on one hand I had a good reason, as every day the produce remained on the plant, it further matured, and I knew there was a day coming in late October or early November, when all the plants in pots on the deck and in the orchard should be brought in.  Dragging those big pots in without making a mess on the hall carpet does take a bit of planning.  It can't be done the day after it rains and must be immediately followed by vacuuming.

These plants from the deck that are now sitting in front of the picture window of the guest room really brought home the way we are preparing as we speak of calamity.  I know winter comes every year, I know a freeze, one night will wipe out the entire garden and could indeed kill my potted plants, yet I wait as long as possible to make the winter provision.  I'd cracked the persimmon seeds, the hay is all in place, the winter supply is on the homestead, and some of the firewood is cut; so when it came down to the last minute, all I needed to do was move the plants.  What I had overlooked, however; was watching the immediate signs to recognize the day before the last minute.

Fortunately, Gerry took the time to get the message to me, and that day, I heeded the warning and practically applied my knowledge, in short order!"   So many of us seem to be in that place spiritually, as we watch our societal structure continue to erode.  Many are sounding the warning, some are making preparation, but are any of us actually ready?  Are we ready to be a true beacon of light in a very dark world?  Are we basically ready, with just a couple of things to do at the last minute?  Have we truly acted on the knowledge we have?  As I look at the pepper plant loaded with jalapenos, the tomato vine that is encircling the guest room floor, and enjoy the fragrance of basil wafting up the hall, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy, in yet another 21st century, agrarian parable.

 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  I Timothy 6:18