Today is Wednesday, September 6th, 2006; Karen's Korner #883
This year is a good year for apples. There are lots of them on about everyone's trees. Ours is no exception.
One day last week before we picked any off the tree, we picked up the ones on the ground and threw them away. They had been there for quite awhile and were in various stages of rotting.
Now we were ready to pick a basketful for ourselves and to share with others. They are nice enough for eating, but lots of people use them for baking and making applesauce as well.
Several days later we were ready to pick them again. Since it had only been a few days, I thought the ones on the ground would be good enough to be used. They should be in relatively good shape, at least for baking.
There were a few that were fine, but most of them were being devoured by several kinds of bugs. Nearly all of them were being eaten, had bad spots, or holes where the damage was severe. I couldn't believe the level of damage in nearly no time.
It made me think about me and how damaged I become when I fall off "God's tree". Left on my own accord, the insects and bugs of this life start their devouring process. I am more than vulnerable; I am eaten alive by "less than the best thoughts and actions".
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for the difference You make in my life. I ask that I remain on the branches of Your Love and generous other gifts.......just for today. I don't want the breezes of this life to knock me off the Tree of Life. I confess that left on my own, I begin the rotting process.......I am not as loving and kind as You have in mind. Oh, I might look good, but the thoughts aren't what you would have them be. Change my thinking and actions through Your Spirit which resides within me. Thank you for the good "fruit" you have in mind for each one of us. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, who makes the difference. Amen.
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