Apple Picking

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Apple Picking

Rows and rows of trees were loaded with luscious looking red apples ready to be plucked. Underneath, the ground was littered with apples which had either fallen or been knocked off by previous pickers. Cut off from the source of nourishment they were in different stages of decay. Some looked trampled. Fathers hoisted little ones on their shoulders to reach the apples and pick them. Youngsters bit into the enticing orbs and juice ran down their chins. Families picnicked on the mountain top where the orchards grew.  Happy people enjoyed the view of the valley and the bounty of delicious apples. They smiled at strangers, pointed out the best places to pick, and offered an arm to help the tired-out climb back up uphill to the refreshment station. Fresh apples, fresh air, a breath-taking vista, happy children enjoying the bounty of God combined to make a perfect day.

From the top of the mountain, we saw apple trees stretched before us whatever way we looked. From God’s viewpoint, He sees people everywhere—beautiful people ripe to fulfill His purposes, Juicy people ready to overflow with wisdom, helpful people quick to lend an arm where needed, wounded people fallen and trampled underfoot, people turning brown and spoiling from lack of spiritual understanding. Let’s ask God to ripen us until we are juicy with wisdom and red with readiness to help. God keep us attached to You so that we are nourished and don’t spoil. Help us be mindful of the fallen so we don’t trample them, but pick them up instead.