The Harvest

As I step into my 30s, I realize this is my time of gathering—a time to embrace the fruits of my labor, both the beautiful and the bittersweet.

When you hear the word harvest, it might conjure images of leaves turning amber, fields of pumpkins, or the comforting scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. But for me, The Harvest carries a deeper, more personal meaning. It represents a season of reaping the seeds I’ve sown, both intentionally and unintentionally, throughout the years.

Sowing Seeds in My 20s:

My 20s were filled with planting—some seeds were good, others not so much, but all were purposeful.

Each one played a role in shaping who I am today.

There were moments when I operated from a place of clarity and love, and others when I struggled in the darkness of uncertainty and impatience. Yet, through it all, these years laid the groundwork for a new chapter.

As I transition into this season, I’m seeing the first blooms of what I’ve planted: a deeper connection to myself, a refined sense of purpose, and a newfound appreciation for what truly matters.

The Foundation

  • Love

  • Joy

  • Peace

  • Patience

  • Kindness

A Spiritual Reflection:

  • Goodness

  • Faithfulness

  • Gentleness

  • Self-Control

The Fruit of the Spirit

The inspiration for this next chapter came at a time when I was studying the book of Galatians. The concept of the Fruit of the Spirit resonated with me and felt like a message from God. Each fruit represents an aspect of character that God cultivates within us:

As I reflected, I asked myself:

What fruits am I producing in my life right now?

Some, like love, joy, and kindness, come to me naturally; they flow with ease. But others, like gentleness and self-control, remain a challenge. I often find it difficult to be gentle with myself and, at times, with others. This realization wasn’t easy to confront, but it’s part of the harvest. It's about acknowledging what’s missing, what needs nurturing, and where I can continue to grow.

Reaping What I've Sown:

The Harvest Season

I’ve come to understand that the fruit we produce isn’t just for our benefit. It’s meant to nourish others around us.

Love, joy, kindness—these are fruits that can transform relationships, deepen connections, and create a ripple effect in the world.

And if I’m truly in a season of harvest, then it’s time to share what I’ve gathered, even if some fruits are still ripening.

The Harvest is not just about gathering what’s ripe; it’s also about evaluating the crops that didn’t thrive.

For me, it’s a time to reflect on how far I’ve come and where I’m headed. I’m learning that life is always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts, and so, if I want to produce more gentleness, more patience, and more peace, it starts with shifting my mindset.

Embracing the New Nature:

The Photoshoot

As I prepared for this photoshoot, I found myself second-guessing the entire concept. Even after feeling so inspired by the symbolism of fruit and the study of Galatians, a voice inside kept asking:

Is this idea really good enough? Will people understand it?

It was a moment that felt like a test—a crossroads where I had to decide whether to fully let go and trust my creativity or retreat into the safety of what I’ve always done. I’ve realized that these moments of doubt are, in themselves, part of my harvest. They’re the soil in which I plant new seeds of confidence, faith, and self-trust.

In the past, I would have played it safe, held back, and waited for more reassurance. But this time, I chose to step forward, to let go of the fear, and to trust that what I was creating was exactly what it needed to be.

This shoot became more than just a creative project; it was a declaration to myself to no longer stay reserved, to release the fruits of my spirit that are ready to be shared. The test wasn’t just about proving my vision; it was about proving to myself that I’m ready to step into this new chapter with boldness and faith.

In this season of The Harvest, I’m letting go of old reservations and embracing the abundance of creativity, trust, and faithfulness that’s been growing within me. And maybe that’s what this season is truly about: letting go of second-guessing and finally believing that the seeds I've planted are ready to bloom.

Moving Forward:

Tending to the Garden of My Life

As I step into this season of harvest, I embrace the lessons I’ve learned and the fruits I’ve grown. But I also acknowledge the work that’s left to do. There are new seeds to plant, new fruits to cultivate. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m grateful for the chance to keep growing, to keep harvesting, to keep becoming.

The harvest isn’t just a moment; it’s a way of life. It’s about being mindful of the seeds we plant, tending to them with love, and trusting that in due time, we’ll reap a bountiful harvest—not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.

Which fruits are you cultivating in your own life?

Let this be a season where we all choose to plant and harvest with intention, embracing the new nature that’s waiting to bloom.

-J. MACHELL