We thank thee then O Father, for all things bright and good. The seed time the harvest, our life, our health, our food. -From the hymn We Plow the Fields and Scatter*
The name for my business was inspired by a beautiful hymn, one that was sung when my husband and I married 38 years ago. It’s a song expressing thanks to God for the harvest and recognizing our dependence on Him for everything good. I’ve always identified with this song. When I go out in my garden to discover so much new life, growth, and unexpected beauty, I get so much pleasure.
Last month I was preparing one of my beds for planting garlic. As I pulled out the old tomato plants, I uncovered a good-sized red potato. And then, another … and another. I had forgotten a couple of potato plants had started growing early in the season, apparently from some soil I had relocated to this bed. I ended up harvesting about 10 lbs. of potatoes that day.
On Christmas eve as we ate mashed potatoes from this unexpected harvest, I was reminded that these gifts come from our Creator. And it makes me feel like singing…
All Good Gifts around us are sent from Heav’n above; Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.*
*Text: Matthias Claudius 1782; tr. Jane M. Campbell, 1861
All Good Gifts Farm 