Notwithstanding the dry weather and hot sun, the rasp, berries, although they do so love rain, have been very abundant, at least in my garden; but now (August 1St) they are getting scarce, and the lesson I learned during July is the more stringent. It is this: when you see and pick all you can, be sure to go back, and you will see many a one you have missed, and then turn again, and a bunch, hidden before, a single one, or a spray there, will be sure to show itself and help fill your little basket.
First, this is what it taught me about daily life. Take pains to find all the good fruit you can in those with whom you have to do, and you may always be a little kinder and pleasanter to each and every one you know, and be sure of it, you will often find a fruit of the Spirit where you least expect, hidden perhaps by leaves, but raspberries beneath.
Second. Then think of the numberless mercies that surround your daily life. “Count your blessings,” IF YOU CAN! Oh! as I have gone up and down, picking my raspberries for supper, and seen bunch after bunch hidden here and there, I have lifted up my thoughts to the Giver of all good and thanked Him for the hidden blessings of morning, noon and night. Each day as it passes, what a record we could write of the lovingkindness of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. He says, “I am with you always.” He, too, is always looking for fruit in the branches. Let us make a point of yielding Him pleasure by bringing forth fruit.
Emily P. Leakey