THE GREATER HARVEST

 THE GREATER HARVEST

The room was heavy with the scent of expensive perfume and sweet persuasion. Beautiful faces leaned in close, their voices a synchronized chorus of temptation. Each one offered a different version of a golden future of romance, utterly irresistible. "I am already bound to another," you pleaded, lifting your hand. The ring on your finger caught the light, a silent witness to a permanent vow. Yet, they only smiled, brushing the gold aside. "A ring is just a token," one whispered. "You would make the perfect partner." The air felt thick, like a trap closing in, but with a sudden surge of resolve, you broke free from the crowd and stepped out into the open air of the street. Before you could catch your breath, a vehicle pulled up to the curb. Inside sat your past—your former love, smiling alongside their family and a few faces from your own family. They seem to be coming from a commitment event of your former person. Surprisingly, no malice in their eyes, only a warm, collective peace. They called out a hearty greeting, acknowledging your presence with genuine joy, before driving off into the sunset. The past had moved on, beautifully reconciled, leaving you standing in the present. Suddenly, the scenery shifted. You were standing in a grand mansion, alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and celebration. Tables heavy under the weight of exotic foods and flowing drinks. Your best friend was the host, and the rooms were packed with everyone you had ever loved, friends from every season of your life and the deep roots of your family tree. As you drifted through the crowded halls, you shook hands, embraced, and shared lighthearted jokes. Every corner revealed another familiar face eager to greet you. It felt magnificent to be valued, to feel the warmth of mutual affection. And why shouldn't you? These were the souls you had poured your life into. You had championed their dreams, supported their burdens, and made lasting contributions to their happiness. They loved you for it. They appreciated you. But as you looked closer, you realized something vital: they were full. They were satisfied. They loved your presence, but they no longer needed your rescue. You walked toward the exit as a quiet emptiness beginning to settle in your chest despite the noise of the party. Just before the threshold, two men stepped into view. They motioned you into a quiet, shadowed anteroom away from the music. These two you don't seem to remember, but they spoke of the past with deep gratitude. They reminded you of an organization you had once supported, a seed you had planted long ago. No memory but then came the ask. "We need you," one said softly. "The children with disabilities in our care need a teacher. Just a few hours a week. A regular presence." The weight of the request hung in the quiet room. You didn't give an immediate answer, promising instead to send a word in the coming days. That night in your bedroom as you lay staring at the ceiling, the pieces of the journey clicked into place with terrifying clarity. The temptation of romance, the closed chapters of content loved ones. Your old mission fields were fully harvested. But the world was still crying out in some forgotten corners of humanity. There were souls waiting for a teacher, a helper, a lifeline. All you need is to look around because the Lord is calling you to make a positive contribution to humanity. Can you hear His voice calling? Matthew 9:37-38 still stands true, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.' Are you there?

@Stephen Mungai