Two Seasons

Two seasons are drawing to a close. One is gardening and the other is baseball. We are still harvesting from the garden, there are still green beans and squash and peppers and even a couple green tomatoes. I say "still" because it's mid-October and this is all a bonus from God.

There is something about working the soil, preparing it, planting, nurturing the plants, keeping a watchful eye out for disease and harmful bugs; and then there is the firstfruit - it is an event - that first tomato or bean or eggplant. I can see how ancient Israel was encouraged to offer its firstfruits to God as an acknowledgement that it all comes from Him and that He is able to provide for us throughout the seasons of life. 

On the baseball season...well it was nice to see both the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles in the playoffs. Having grown up in the D.C. area I continue to keep an eye on the forlorn hope that a Washington baseball team will win the World Series in my lifetime. In the 1960s it was cruel to see the Senators move to Minnesota and then shortly thereafter play in the Word Series; even though they lost to the Dodgers it would have been sweet to see the Senators in the World Series; the Minnesota Twins would later win the Series in 1987 and 1991. Alas this year neither the O's or the Nats could make it happen much beyond the regular season - but they did have very good seasons. I guess just like continuing to harvest tomatoes and beans and peppers in mid-October is a bonus, so it's a bonus to continue to win baseball games well into October. In both instances it's good to still be in the game as the leaves are changing color.