Apple Season

To celebrate Fiona’s first birthday, we headed to Wellwood Orchards in Springfield, Vermont. Rows and rows of trees were loaded with beautiful apples of many different sizes, shapes, and flavors. Macintosh, Cortland, Ginger Gold, Northern Spy, Honey Crisp, and Macoun. The sun was shining brightly and the blue sky was loaded with lots of white fluffy clouds. We hopped on a wagon pulled by a tractor and headed up the hills to pick apples. The girls loved the whole experience and so did I!

As we filled a couple of bags with apples, Bubba, Fiona’s grandpa, told us about a hundred year old apple tree that was still producing fruit. “How can that be?” I wondered aloud. His comment made me think about staying connected to the Divine Vine. “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you are joined with Me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” John 15:5-6

Heavenly Father, what a gorgeous, crisp, vibrant fall day! Your beautiful handiwork takes my breath away! Thank You for the way you made this earth to grow the food we need. Thank You for this new memory in celebration of my youngest granddaughter’s first birthday. Today brought back vivid memories of my late husband, Joe, and I taking our kids apple picking in the fall followed by dinner at Luigi’s in Clymer, Pa. My joy overflows! Now it’s time to bake apple pies, make apple crisp, and enjoy apple cider and applesauce.

Blessed is the person who trusts in and sticks with You. We don’t have to worry through the hottest of summers or of dropping our leaves. We can remain calm and serene through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 paraphrased) Even in old age we will still produce fruit; we will remain vital and green. Psalm 92:14 Amen.