Suddenly I am feeling the morning and evening air has a slight chill. I see the trees are changing their colour and the leaves here and there are starting to fall. I observe the levels of the dams on the fruit farms here in “Oppi Berg”, this very fertile plateaux, up the Gydo pass in the Koue Bokkeveld, has drastically dropped. It is obvious that nature is preparing for a rest.

I literally smell the fragrance of freshly picked crates and crates of apples filling the air as the huge hauliers pass me on their way to the gigantic cold stores and from there to Cape Town harbour in order to reach their international market. There is a real buzz of activity as the harvest is brought in here in the Ceres valley and Koue Bokkeveld.

There is something about the seasons. There is something about Autumn! A time to prepare for a deep winter rest for the orchards and vines. A time for the dams to get ready to receive the winter rains that will be on their way soon. And for the orchards to deliver their harvest.

My son, Gabri shared an interesting story with me around autumn and the thousands of fruit trees at Oppi Berg, where he farms. He said that after the harvest is brought in, they are preparing for a “tools” down period of at least three weeks. He told me that this two thousand hectare fruit farm will run on skeleton staff, the “gates” will close and they will all go and rest! There was a tired but fulfilled look deep in his eyes as he shared that the summer is leaving and the autumn is near, basically “in” the door.
There is something beautiful and absolutely true about our God’s faithfulness and sustaining of His creation! I mean all of His creation – including you and me! For one – look at the seasons! Right now – look at South Africa – It is Autumn!

I am deeply touched by Eugene Petersen’s translation on – “The Bible in Contemporary Language – The Message” – Matthew 11 verse 28 to 30;-
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly”

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you! Your grace is sufficient. Your burden is light and your yoke is easy! Teach me Your ways and lead me in Your paths. Keep me close to You and in Your grace – every day! – Amen.

Your pastor and friend,
Dennis Beeselaar