©IBKimage2010
The word I’ve been thinking about this week is fallow. Generally we think of leaving a field fallow; it is plowed and harrowed but left unsown for a time to restore its fertility as a part of crop rotation. Leaving a piece of ground fallow will also reduce the risk of disease or parasite transmission. I experienced it this week in the form of people that came into my presence who are in need of rest after experiencing long seasons of growth along with storms and other challenges; I noticed a garden area in my neighborhood that after 3 years of “nothing” seems to be sprouting new growth in our very premature warm spring. Some might recall that I didn’t send out a blog last week … my creative energies have been fallow after several months of learning,doing,scheduling,adjusting,recovering and so on.
The interesting thing about a fallow field is that it’s plowed and ready to do what “it” does; but it is intentionally not sown with new seed; its taking a break from providing a new yield at harvest.
What could you leave unsown in your life in this season that will allow you to experience rest and restoration ? What do you need to say no to be able to say yes to a fallow field or two ?
IBK
5 Comments
Oh, my! SOme dificult questions you pose today. I plan to sit for an hour this AM and contemplate them. Thanks for the stimulus.
This day’s reflection was so good for me IBK. So much happening the last few years, most of it really good. But I am so tired right now. Thank you
I think I have overdone “fallow” and have gone dormant.
Nice image…and some real food for thought. I’m enjoying your blog.
Thank you again, IBK. I always receive something to consider from your insights. I have been learning over the years to say “no” to say “yes” — but I believe this exercise is one to be continually honed. We have so many opportunities, so we need to choose wisely each time to be sure we are taking care of the gifts of life always with God’s Will for us squarely in our plans and actions. P.S. Your photographs are excellent. Hope you will keep on doing this for a long time to come. Blessed Resurrection Day to your family and you!