waiting for the harvest

A few years back we decided to plant strawberries in our front gardens for ground cover. They spread quickly, are low maintenance, and unlike other options you can eat them.

This birthed the annual tradition of watching for the first ripe berry. Each day the kids (and I) creep around looking under leaves for the Great Prize. They haven't figured out that the berries seem to ripen first alongside the foundation where the heat is reflected.

It takes more than heat and sun to grow a strawberry.
It needs good soil and lots of water. There are lots of wild strawberries on the sunny trails I run but they are tiny little things...although just as sweet.

It rained last night here. A good, long, soaking rain. The berries out front look like they are going to explode. They always grow after a storm.

This, God reminded me today, is true of our inner-self.

We are formed by all of the seasons of our life; the glorious days in the presence of God, the breaking down of the soil within us, and the deluges as well.

Take  lesson from the strawberry today. Sit and be still. God is growing his fruit in you. He is using it all; the Son and the rain. He is the Master Gardener. He knows when you are ready for the Harvest. Stay in the garden beloved. Stay near the Foundation, the Rock. Jesus Christ.

 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. 

For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine,

 and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

 

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. 

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. 

For apart from me you can do nothing.

                                                              John 15:4-5