2/1/13
There are some things in life I just haven't enjoyed like I should. Simple things I take for granted. And no I don't mean wireless internet, washing machines, and air conditioning – although I do miss those – but, rather how great and fascinating fruit is. It's so simple. It's so fresh. It's so sweet. It's so refreshing. This month we've been blessed to live in a place with mango, lime, and avocado trees in our yard. At ministry everyday we've gone to the market and purchased the best pineapple I've ever had. Small, sweet, green bananas are pretty much the perfect addition to any meal. Our ministry site was filled with coconuts filled with coconut water: right as some of us were becoming dehydrated. I ate fresh papaya yesterday for dessert. I realized how wonderful frozen fruit juice is.
On our second day here my team had what I termed “Mango ministry” – raking up the rotting mangoes. Ironically it stormed and more mangoes fell as we were cleaning them but, once I got over freaking out about getting knocked out by one it was fun. Rotting mangoes attract millions of flies. Rotting fruit attracts insects. Rotting fruit is unwanted, unhealthy, and unattractive. Rotting fruit is no longer simple, fresh, sweet or refreshing.
This past month has made me appreciate the fruit of the spirit in a way I never have before. Everyday I walk by the mural painting on the wall separating our living area from the mango garden and see Galatians written out. Everyday I pray to be more fruitful through Christ. I long for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control because those things are fresh everyday. They're simple. They're refreshing to the soul. And they are sweeter than any of the rotten fruit that would be in me without our Savior.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that we might not see the big picture of any fruit we're spiritually producing here in Africa. Last week my devotional said, “We so easily become impatient with God's delays. We cannot wait for the fruit to ripen, but insist on picking it while it is still green. We cannot wait for the answer to our prayers, although it may take many years for the things we pray for to be prepared for us. We are encouraged to walk with God, but often God walks very slowly…” which goes exactly with what I feel like God's been trying to teach me lately. Go slow. Wait. Enjoy juicy fresh fruit, but not when it hasn't ripened or has begun rotting, and share it with others.
