Drop One Hundred Eleven

Proverbs 19:21

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand.” (NASB1995).

This year our apple trees experienced what is known as a “bumper crop”. The branches were so loaded with fruit that support beams were required to decrease how many branches would break while the fruit ripened. The abundance of produce from our golden delicious apple tree resulted in an early harvest. Apples cover the ground under the tree even though my husband picked up at least one 5-gallon bucket per day for the past few weeks to take for the deer, squirrels and any other wildlife to enjoy. Much of the produce freshly picked from the tree was shared within our community and we still have plenty to finish processing now.

 While picking apples, I personified a stubborn apple. It did not seem to want to be picked. I would reach for it, and it would stay just out of my grasp. Three other nearby apples that appeared to be higher, were actually easier to collect. Once they were collected, I tried again for the “prize apple”. When it released from the branch, it bounced out of my picking tool basket and landed on the ground. “I see you,” I stated.

I imagined a conversation:

Me:      Why did you leap to the ground when I planned to carry you?

Apple:  I saw what the others did, and I knew I could do it, too.

Me:      But now you have some internal bruises that could have been avoided. I have a different

              plan for you than becoming a feast for bugs or wildlife.

Apple:  Oh. Can you still use me?

Me:      Of course. Let’s get you cleaned up.

How often do we leap into things because others are doing it only to neglect our calling, our potential, the plan God created for each of us? Whether we follow the crowd or follow Christ, sacrifice will be involved (time, money, peace of mind, etc.). If we are going to play “Follow the Leader”, may we focus on Christ as the Leader to follow.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us. Even when we follow the “wider path”, You gently bring us back to Your “narrow path”. Help us to seek and follow You. May we be cheerleaders for our neighbors and others that You call to serve, whether in a different way or the same way You have called us to serve. May we choose to use our talents and passions You have given to bring honor and glory to You.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN