The Tupelo journal., 1908-03-27
THE HARVEST TIME
REWARDS WE REAP FOR THE
EFFORTS WE MAKE.
CROPS IRE OF MANY KINDS
Some Remarks of a Homely Charac-
ter for Application to Everyday
Atfairs-Few Have Real
Cause for Complaint.

There is a harvest time for all.
Some reap their rewards late in life,
others in early manhood; but none
need expect to SOW tares and garner
any valuable crop. LAS We SOW, so
shall We reap" Often we do the SOW
ing and some one else gathers the
crop, and we only get the stubbles
But this is our harvest. Sometimes
we plant, and find our growing fields
devastated by the elements. Our
harvest is barely worth the reaping
Still, is there any cause why we
should complain that nature is un,
kind to us? Are we not to blame
more often than We think? Have we
not the warning that we shall reap
as we SOW? The planting implies
that intelligence be used in selecting
the soil, in choosing the place least
likely to be within the storm belt, and
where the lightning will not strike
nor the hail fall. Then the quality Of
the soil and it's preparation. 1t can.
not be expected that among the rocks
and stones in the barren places the
seed planted will grow. Nor is it wise
to not carefully select the seed, some
that may not terminate. And don't
forget that when your choice is made
to see that the ~winnowing is properly
done, and that no obnoxious weeds
have a chance to spring up with the
golden grain.
Too many of us-and some one has
said, an honest confession is good for
the soul-neglect to plant the proper
kind of crop. Instead of honor, good
health, riches of mind and material
wealth, we reap instead the ~severest
criticisms of public opinion, shattered
nerves and poverty. A happy mind
and disposition, and a feeling of kind
ness toward all fellowmen is a crop
worth reaping. To have the respect
of the masses that we come daily in
contact with, Is another thing desir-
able and an honorable name, good
health and a conscience at peace is
a harvest that is greater than many
men of millions can ever hope tc
garner.
Yes, we may make mistakes in our
sowing, and be disappointed with the
results of the harvest time, but still
there is cOntentment in store for the
husbandman who after exercising care
finds in spite of all disappointment
comes, and drought and pests destroy.
Still despair not of the future, for
harvest time for all will come, and
diligence and perseverance will
eventually bring the reward sought.
IN all affairs of life the elements Of
chance play an eminent part. Life is
not a mathematical problem that is
positive. Neither is it theoretical.
Still all there is bends to natural laws.
Interchangeable, unalterable, and even
the calamities that befall, are con
trolled by these same laws; but the
mind of the mortal fails to under.
stand them. Life is a conflict. The
little spear of wheat seeks its exist
ence with no certainty. The tares, the
thistles battle with it and threaten
humiliation. The careful gardener
knows the danger of weeds rendering
his work a loss. He emoves the rank
and useless growth, that his plants
may get their share of nitrogen and
oxygen and may thrive. But how
ever great his care, still chance must
be struggled with. The heat of the
sum-, those l~ife-giving rays, may even
destroy; the hurricane may level, and
the hail cut down.
Much in similitude is mans harvest
to the harvest OF the poor gardener.
Yet, there are other seasons, and
other harvests coming. No use TO
despair, The brave man in battle has
the fewest fears. Let us strive to
have our harvest time come with its
plenty, and let us work that it will be
a harvest of good. Success some
times comes only after long waiting.
But let us be careful in our springtime
sowing, and it is hardly possible that
we will not reap a just harvest.
D. M. CARR.