More about the Blackberries:

“Good Morning Son, how did you sleep?  Are you ready to pick more blackberries this morning?”

Yes Dad, I’m ready.  Long pants, long sleeve shirt, socks, muck boots, socks, bug spray…ready.  Where should I pick today, Dad? 

“I want you to pick the exact same place you picked yesterday.”

Are you sure?  Remember, I picked that small area hard yesterday and trampled several of the bushes down as I walked and picked through.

“I remember.  I was there.  I was guiding you.  I showed you the way to the abundance of ripe berries ready to be harvested.  Trust me.”

Okay.  I just want to make sure we are getting the most possible in the shortest amount of time.  It’s really hot and I am really busy as you know.  Dad, I don’t see where I went into the bushes yesterday.  Dad, look at all the ripe blackberries in this same spot as yesterday!  Unbelievable.  It’s like these bushes were never picked.

“Myron, do you remember in Matthew 19:26 when my Son said “Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”? (NLT)  I need you to learn that I can ripen the fields much faster than you can pick them.  I want them all to be picked so I ripen them in stages allowing time for my kids to pick and tell each of them about me.”

Dad, today as I was picking I became really sad at how many berries were ripe to the point of rotting because of the heat.  I was also really bummed with how many beautiful berries that I picked fell out of my hand and to the ground.

“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripefor harvest. ³⁶ The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! John 4:35-36 (NLT)  “Son, you did your job.  You went into the fields and picked the berries.  Some made it into the basket, others fell to the ground and others were rotten and not good for the purposes that I am having you harvest.  There is purpose in those that fell to the ground.  They will fertilize and grow new vines and new berries so the harvest continues” 

I love how the berries become jam, cobblers and many are just enjoyed as fruit direct from the vine.  The cuts on my hands, the sticking in my arms and the sweat soaking my clothes are worth the effort when we hand the jar of jam, or plate of cobbler to your kids and they enjoy the tastes, smells and fullness of your bounty.  It’s awesome to see some of what would have otherwise rotted on the vine become joy for our family and friends, and their family and friends and to people we don’t even know.  I love how many people ask if they can buy our jam and when we respond, no it is freely given.

“Son, be ready again tomorrow.  The harvest will continue.  The opportunities to bless are always in front of you. 

Did you enjoy the sound of the birds all around you while you harvested?  I stopped your ear buds from playing worship music so you would hear the worship the birds sing to me every morning.  I created them because they worship without ceasing.  I have never had a bird in a bad mood.  I have never had a bird not harvest diligently.  What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. Matthew 10:29 (NLT)  You are worth more than the sparrows and I provide all they need.  I have all you will even need.

Son, I love you.  I am so proud of you.  Keep trying.  Keep working.  Keep stretching and growing.  Keep your eyes on me.  I will show you where to go and will have the harvest ready for your hands. 

I Love you,

Dad”

Sow righteousness for yourselves,
    reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
    for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
    and showers his righteousness on you.

Hosea 10:12 (NLT)