September 20
Thus by their fruit you will recognize them.
Matthew 7:20
One of the privileges of living in New England in the autumn is to go apple picking; a tradition in our family for too many years to count! Walking through the orchards on a gloriously sunny but brisk, fall day, with the smell of delicious fruit everywhere is mouth watering! There are many varieties to choose from, each one unique in its taste and texture, and each providing just the right ingredient for a specific purpose, i.e. eating vs. baking. The most quintessential is the McIntosh, but there are Baldwin, Delicious, Cortland, Empire, Granny Smith and Macoun to name a few New England classics. Thinking about biting into a firm, sweet or tart juicy apple; planning the baking of apple pies and other goodies; looking forward to teaching my little grandchildren how to make home-made applesauce; and contemplating the sweet apple cider we traditionally drink at Thanksgiving; are all anticipated with much enjoyment, to say the least!
Although the season for apple picking begins in August and runs typically through Mid to late October, each variety has its own time for being ripe and ready for harvesting. Then immediately after the harvest is completed, the farmers begin the preparation of their orchards for the next growing season, carefully tending
to each tree to determine what it needs to remain healthy for good fruit production, before they go into their rest period. Like us. To continue our good works, our needs change from season to season also. How God understands that! He works within us and around us offering opportunities to prepare us for the growing
season ahead. We may need extra fertilizer - time with God, vitamins or medication to keep us healthy in
body and spirit; we may need pruning - cutting back on over-indulgent habits or selfishness, or even surgery to treat a physical ailment; we many need rest to replenish weary bodies and souls, or we may need to take more time to relax and enjoy the sunlight, especially when the days are becoming shorter! We grow and transform every day, and at the end of each season our fruit is there for the harvesting.
Scripture tells us that by our fruit we are known. Look around at the fruit of all your labor. Is it sweet and
delectable; pleasing to God? Has its purpose been fulfilled? Look around at the things that make you recognizable to the people around you. Your uniqueness is essential to them and becomes an ingredient - a part of your good works and in turn, theirs. By your fruit, you are recognized and remembered.
For the harvest of all good things we thank you, Lord!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
Thus by their fruit you will recognize them.
Matthew 7:20
One of the privileges of living in New England in the autumn is to go apple picking; a tradition in our family for too many years to count! Walking through the orchards on a gloriously sunny but brisk, fall day, with the smell of delicious fruit everywhere is mouth watering! There are many varieties to choose from, each one unique in its taste and texture, and each providing just the right ingredient for a specific purpose, i.e. eating vs. baking. The most quintessential is the McIntosh, but there are Baldwin, Delicious, Cortland, Empire, Granny Smith and Macoun to name a few New England classics. Thinking about biting into a firm, sweet or tart juicy apple; planning the baking of apple pies and other goodies; looking forward to teaching my little grandchildren how to make home-made applesauce; and contemplating the sweet apple cider we traditionally drink at Thanksgiving; are all anticipated with much enjoyment, to say the least!
Although the season for apple picking begins in August and runs typically through Mid to late October, each variety has its own time for being ripe and ready for harvesting. Then immediately after the harvest is completed, the farmers begin the preparation of their orchards for the next growing season, carefully tending
to each tree to determine what it needs to remain healthy for good fruit production, before they go into their rest period. Like us. To continue our good works, our needs change from season to season also. How God understands that! He works within us and around us offering opportunities to prepare us for the growing
season ahead. We may need extra fertilizer - time with God, vitamins or medication to keep us healthy in
body and spirit; we may need pruning - cutting back on over-indulgent habits or selfishness, or even surgery to treat a physical ailment; we many need rest to replenish weary bodies and souls, or we may need to take more time to relax and enjoy the sunlight, especially when the days are becoming shorter! We grow and transform every day, and at the end of each season our fruit is there for the harvesting.
Scripture tells us that by our fruit we are known. Look around at the fruit of all your labor. Is it sweet and
delectable; pleasing to God? Has its purpose been fulfilled? Look around at the things that make you recognizable to the people around you. Your uniqueness is essential to them and becomes an ingredient - a part of your good works and in turn, theirs. By your fruit, you are recognized and remembered.
For the harvest of all good things we thank you, Lord!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson