Tale of a Pumpkin

     The gardener chooses the pumpkin variety they want to plant, then prepares the soil. By forming mounds to plant the seeds, the roots are forced to search deeply for water, providing strength for the growing plant. 
     Proper irrigation ensures the right amount of water reaches the pumpkin patch, and a keen eye is needed to watch for pests such as the Squash Bug, which can stress the plant and compromise its health. Routine weeding prevents the plant from being robbed of water and nutrients.
     Patience is needed, as it takes 3 ½ to 4 months for pumpkins to grow and ripen. If a freeze is imminent, the crop must be picked right away.
      The gardener makes the preparations, but God provides the ingredients: the seeds, the water, the soil, and the sunlight. He also orchestrates photosynthesis to create the miracle of sprouting and growth. Then the special person who takes an interest in gardening becomes a custodian—or caretaker—of the garden.
      The pumpkin—a symbol of autumn—represents a bountiful harvest and a time when friends and families gather for Fall celebrations and Thanksgiving. The pumpkin often serves dual roles: as an item on a menu or as décor.
      From seed to full fruit, the pumpkin’s tale is just one of many stories of one of God’s miracles of nature.
      As a gardener—or consumer of the pumpkin, you are a recipient of God’s bountiful harvest. Along with family or friends, you are part of an immense blessing—the gathering of God’s people, coming together to celebrate and give thanks!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” –
1 Chronicles 16:34

​Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com/Ikrom Ma-Ela
From my blog post of 10/28/20 - N. Johnson 

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