Summer: The Growing, and the Harvesting of the Fruit

It's that time of summer

when the fruit of our planting

is beginning to appear ...

we've been enjoying fresh cucumbers,

sprigs of parsley, snips of basil,

chives, and tomatoes will be coming soon.

Roots have grown down into the

fresh spring soil, soaking up the rains,

and burrowing down into the healthy ground.

And as we've had quiet moments to

rest (here and there, during busy days),

soaking up the Son, burrowing our hearts

down deeper into His Word, into Truth,

there has been growth, and fruit has come.

I love the fruit ...

the flavor of fresh herbs,

chopped up and added to salads

and butters, and main dishes.

And fresh veggies from the garden,

even from the produce stands

cannot be equaled -

they are a true taste of summer.

I love it, too, when I see the fruit

of His Word - in my heart, in my actions;

even as it blesses others, and points

them to His love for them.

But sometimes I catch myself

longing for more fruit, focusing

on the fruit, wishing

for more recognition, even for praise -

for fruit is beautiful.

But when I put all my effort and

all my focus on the fruit,

on the produce, on the goodness of it, 

I am disappointed, and life

turns out empty, devoid of beauty.

And I am reminded ...

"We long for showy fruit

when the Lord calls us

to focus on clinging to Him.

We want to produce, but He

reminds us that He provides

as we abide."

(Ruth Chou Simons)

"I am the Vine;

you are the branches.

Whoever abides in Me

and I in him,

he it is that bears

much fruit,

for apart from Me

you can do nothing."

(John 15:5)

Lord, may my focus be on You,

and You alone will bring the fruit.

For part one of this summer series, click here:

Summer: Let Your Roots Grow Down