I watched the orchard as the spring approached,
First shoots, then blooms, unfurling in the sun;
Soft clouds of pink, and scents so sweet enthrall:
All heralding the long-awaited fruit;
Delightful fruit, desired, enjoyed by all.
How can those trees bring forth a harvest full?
They must be planted where the soil is rich,
Pruning to shape, nurtured by gentle rain—
Sheltered from storm where sun gives warm caress;
Combining strengths, delightful fruit to gain.
We have been planted as fruit-bearing stock;
Some have a ground that favors easy growth;
Others may battle winds and desert clime;
He prunes and feeds and fertilizes growth,
Waiting to see the produce … fruit sublime.
Grow where He plants you, even though some rocks
May cause uneasy living, struggles, pain;
Send branches toward the Sun, escape the pall!
A lack of food? Dig deeper in His Word;
He’ll work it in you, precious fruit for all.
The Spirit tends His fruit in every life;
The love and joy and peace rise first to God;
The gentleness and more—an outward pour
For those around are blessed when fruits are shared!
A harvest-bounty; blessing more and more.
cph