Andy Williams famously sang this song decades ago and it rings in my ears as I write these thoughts.

It’s blackberry picking season.  And that means time alone among the thorns hearing God’s voice and inspiration like no other time.  Marvelous.

There are always epiphanies for me as I seek and harvest those miracles called ‘blackberries.’  Here are a few initial thoughts as I start this season:

– ‘You will miss the best berries if you only harvest around the edges.’  You have to go deep in others lives to have real impact.

– ‘The best berries are often the most protected by thorns that may prick your hand as you harvest.’  A life of impact involves being willing to get bloodied and the reward is worth the momentary pain.

– ‘Irrational fear often prevents the greatest harvest.’  Yes, there are risks in a passionate life of impact, but how much more the cost of sitting on the ‘safe’ sidelines?

– ‘Harvesting blackberries is not a mass production event.  It involves picking one or a few at a time to prevent damage to the berries.’  People are not a mass production commodity.  Take the time to care deeply for the individual in front of you.  The multiplication will take care of itself.

– ‘The beauty is in the quiet around you and the reward is in the filled bucket that satisfies your tastes.’  Recognizing the gift that is your life is the first step to a life that is filled and overflowing.  Give thanks right now, where you are.  This is the beginning of a fulfilled life.

– ‘The BlackBerry harvest is so, so plentiful and the voices expressing a desire to participate are loud and many.  Yet most times you will harvest alone.’  Accept that the passions in your heart are yours and don’t depend on someone else to drive your pursuit.  This is your journey.  Enjoy the ride.

– ‘Blackberries don’t surrender easily, and that’s what makes the reward of the harvest so meaningful.’  Anything worthwhile is worth working for.  Forget the easy road.  Accept the road that lays ahead of you with eagerness and expectation.  The bumps are worth the learning and the experiences build wisdom.

Okay, enough for today as we kickoff this grandest of seasons.  Time to prep, dress, douse in Deep Woods Off with deet, tuck my jeans into my Muck Boots, put in my well-worn Tractor Supply hat and let the sweat begin.  Incredible!

Let’s go!  You’ve got this!