Prayers in the Desert

"This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be emptied again

This seed I've received, I will sow"

Hillsong : : Desert Song

photo by me

My backyard is home to a large Granny Smith apple tree. We planted it just a few months after moving into the house we currently live in (just hit our 10 year anniversary!) and I have had the privilege to watch it grow from a thin little youngster to almost a two story Protector from the sun.

I remember harvesting its fruit last summer by the hundreds--and (quite literally) enjoying the fruits of our labor. There were so many apples that several dozens growing from the branches we could not reach would create a large heap of overflow on the ground below it.

And yet, I wish I could say the same for this summer.

It may be due to some type of bird or animal breed finding residency in our backyard, or perhaps we can hold last May's insane hail storm responsible, or maybe it's just been a poor year for apples, but this season's harvest has been next to non-existent.

Although I speak from a literal viewpoint, our spiritual lives oftentimes experience the same thing. And yet, I cannot help but be reminded of those words written by Ms. Brooke Fraser/Ligertwood herself: "I know I'm filled to be emptied again, this seed I've received I will sow."