This time of year when we celebrate Harvest and give thanks for the fruitfulness of the land reminds me of the fruitfulness of the whole of life.

I think of the continuous tiny miracles of reproduction; the survival of plant and animal and human life against all the odds stacked against it; the way weeds grow through cracks in the concrete and buddleia bushes spring gloriously from the rooves of abandoned buildings; and the way groups of refugees still find the energy and enthusiasm to build makeshift churches and worship God in the midst of their trials and tribulations.

But it also makes me realise how much more fruitful life can be if the growing conditions are right – a butterfly bush growing in a well-tended border is even more glorious.

In one of my favourite verses in the Bible (John 10 verse 10) Jesus said: “I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.”

What is it that we humans need to experience and enjoy life in all its fullness?

Enough to food, water and shelter to keep body and soul together but also the safety and security of supportive friends or family or local community and the knowledge that we are loved for who we are.

While we as humans in our own strength can, when working at our best, deliver all of these things, there is, for me, something wonderful about the extra dimension of knowing that I am loved by God just for being me!

The Rev Anne Pettifor

Assistant Curate, Kirkby Lonsdale Team Ministry