Chaplain: Harvest is a good time to give thanks

Harvest is a good time to give thanks

Harvest season is here. Street corners across our Minnesota landscape will soon have sandwich boards posted inviting us to a church fall meal. I invite you to partake in a church meal that men and women prepared who want to be of good in this world.

Even though we can buy fruits and vegetables out of season, the fall harvest remains a ritual of  importance reminding us of our dependence on a sustaining earth. What can be grown is determined by seed/soil health, seasonal weather and the climate one lives in.  We rely upon others’ expertise and ability to grow and harvest, and for these reasons we give thanks.

I think of many Legionnaires who are farmers and ranchers. In the spring and fall, I give thanks for Brad and Tricia Pagel of Slayton Post 64. They grow and harvest crops.  Thank you, Pagels.

Seeds need the right conditions to grow to their potential, and we do, too. Not one of us flourishes on our own accord. Our interdependence is hard for us to admit but is necessary. Each of us needs to sharpening and shining. Compassion grows by acts of care; forgiveness needs a wounded relationship; grace first needs an insult slung. Love grows by doing acts of love.

Isn’t it ironic for love to grow the ugly and harmful need to be present? Redemption needs one to redeem and a redeemer (Unfortunately, I have to put a disclaimer in here and remind each of one us that we do not need to seek out harming another human being, somehow it comes naturally to us — it is doing good that we need to seek out and put into practice).

In August, I was the chaplain for the Southeast Women Veterans Retreat in which women veterans gathered to nourish goodness in ourselves and one another. It was at Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center in Farmington.

Part of our events included Apple Valley Post 1776 Honor Guard saluting and honoring those present.

I want to give thanks to them for their practice of selfless service.  Thank you:  Bernie Baumann, Jim Hoffman, Gene Moon, Mike O’Brien, Rich Peltier, Denny Perro, Jay Peterson, Dick Presley, Bill Quintus (Color Guard Commander), Al Schaffer, Terry Sventek and James Thompson.

May the Godly gifts of compassion, love and peace be yours.

Kelley Adelsman of Pine Island Post 184 is the chaplain for The American Legion Department of Minnesota.