ANTICIPATING FRUIT

Summer time is a delight for many reasons.  Number one for me are the fruit and vegetables of summer.  Aaahh!  Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cantaloupes, kiwis, and all kinds of tomatoes.  Then there’s summer squash, zucchini, and corn on the cob.  If it’s homegrown in the garden it is even better. These make me more than just happy.  They deepen my joy. 

This summer here in Kentucky, we are putting in a garden.  It’s a modest start with tomatoes, green onions, peppers, eggplant, and herbs. The soil is black and rich with compost and manure.  Next year we will "branch" out with other things.  The wire fence will protect the enterprise from the local four legged rascals looking for a free meal.  While we’ve done some gardening in the past with a few flowers, we haven’t had a real garden for many years.  We are a little excited anticipating the joy to come in a few weeks when the garden shows signs of being productive.

Our excitement and joy must pale in comparison to God’s when he sees us doing those things that naturally lead to our spiritual fruitfulness.  He said to his disciples (John 15:5), if you remain in me and I remain in you, you will bear much fruit.”  When he sees our obedience and faithfulness to remain in him, to abide in the rich soil of his love, to continue our daily walk with him, to seek his presence and in-filling, he must be a little excited anticipating the joy to come knowing there is fruit in our future.  As we anticipate the strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and tomatoes of summer, God anticipates the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22&23).  These are the very characteristics that describe our Lord himself.  What are the indicators of holiness and the likeness of Christ!  It’s the fruit in the hands of the Gardener!  Thanks be to God!