The travesty of blackberry season is how slowly it comes and how quickly it goes.  There are 2-3 weeks of optimal picking and then the berries become very fragile, soft and fall from the bushes when disturbed.

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”  Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT

As I was picking towards the ending side of this blackberry season, I was struck by how many of the berries looked so beautiful and appealing, but when I went to harvest them they smooshed between my fingers.  Additionally, as I would pull a berry from the bush protecting it, many too ripe would fall to the ground, released by the bush that had valiantly protected them until time ran out.

So as I was filling another gallon basket with blackberries several observations struck me.

– Time is short and time does not wait.  The Bible tells us that tomorrow is not guaranteed and living purposefully is required for those of us who claim the name of Christ.

– Too many berries are lost because when ripe and ready, there was no one there to harvest them.  There are so many people hungry to matter that simply need someone to acknowledge them and their significance to him who created them.

– It is easy to be distracted by beautiful berries that when attempted to harvest, melt into pulp having fulfilled their purpose of distracting the harvester.  Living intentionally involves focus, purpose and commitment.  Effective and impactful living involves rejecting the shiny objects of life placed in our path to distract us from the love, care and share we are created to deliver.

– Small and seemingly insignificant berries offer the same beautiful aroma and taste, minus the distractions of where the harvester’s eyes are drawn.  A life of intentionality does not have room from frivolous pursuits.  Measure your heart and analyze your mind.  There you will find what you worship.  

– Row upon row of blackberry bushes ripe for the harvest can be overwhelming.  You’re only one harvester.  Focus on what is directly in front of you.  Your example and harvest will be the catalyst for others desiring to have similar impact.  Don’t worry about measuring yourself against the harvest.  Measure yourself by what fills your bucket of responsibility.

There are so many amazing life metaphors to be found amongst the briars that yield beautiful fruit.  Equally, there are unlimited opportunities for a lifetime of purpose and impact that surround us, waiting to be discovered and acted upon. 

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  James 4:13-14 NIV

The harvest grows short.  Time is short and the opportunities precious.  Pursue what God has placed in your path.

Let’s go.