Danglish

“The fruit that you are eating is the best fruit of all!”
C.S. Lewis

It is spring again. The cold, lonely winter is gradually getting chased away by every sunny moment and light breeze. The days have grown longer here. The bravest of the flowers go up with the morning sun only to discover that cold air will return when night falls. Expecting a safe dwelling place for her young, a momma duck finds her nesting place quickly, before vacancy is limited. The chestnut trees have yet to reward us with their lush green leaves and beautiful bloom, but we remain patient. An individual can anticipate too much out of life and forget to thank God for the beauty that waits to be discovered.

I can be patient with the weather or the change of season; I’m good at waiting for dinner even though I’m starving; I have waited for the completion of our bedroom for a little over a month, complaining only occasionally, and I have certainly stood outside the bathroom door waiting for my turn more then once or twice.

Sometimes, however, I catch myself being anxious for the future. “What else does God have for me? I have portrayed my strength by moving here. What is my reward?” Suddenly, God reminds me that I am living my reward! My attitude and faith determines the actual size of the gift.

While jobs and language knowledge are on hold until August when I obtain residency, I have two options: I can sit inside my house impatiently pondering this or I can get out and focus on the potential I already have here. I choose the latter; if I remain anticipating the bloom of the chestnut tree I will never notice the existing life that will later birth what we have all been eager about. The quiet moments I have alone with God, the quality time I have with my husband, the time I have to fix up my house, Monday’s with the youth and of course the moments I can just be, this what I have now. They are gifts...big ones. Without them, none of my dreams or visions would come true for the future!

A well known verse in the Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I don’t have to worry anymore. He knows exactly what I need. The fruit that I am eating is the best fruit of all! There is no need to wait for the others ripen!

Thanks once more for all of your blessings. May Christ be your reward as you live your life one day at a time.