Produce Stands

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass

July 22, 2009

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. -Matthew 7:20 NIV

I love travelling to the Outer Banks from Virginia where so many fruit stands can be found. Some fruit and vegetable stands are often simple in structure with dirt floors and plywood shutters than lock into place in the off- season. Others are quite elaborate with many signs posted miles ahead as enticement to select their location. Over the years we have tried many of the different stands and all are good. Each one is unique with too many good things to be able to pick a favorite. Some farm stand owners have added baked goods, nuts and jams, too and like my Daddy used to say, “We don’t want to slight anyone,” so it would be typical for us to stop at two or three produce stands during our summer trips to the beach many years ago. There is just something special about buying farm fresh vegetables and tree-ripened fruit! The flavors of the food are so intense and the fruits are extra juicy. We loved July, especially for the peaches, and if we were lucky, we could talk someone into making some homemade peachy vanilla ice cream for us. It was declared a special treat if it was dipped in cones that would end up dripping down our elbow in the summer heat.

The Bible talks of fruit on more than one occasion. The reference that I like the best is being able to tell what a person is all about by the fruit they produce. To simplify it, a good tree produces good fruit most of the time and a bad and diseased tree produces bad fruit. Both trees may look the same, but it is what is happening on the inside that we cannot see. The same applies to people. It is soul-filling to spend time with a person that is full of encouragement, love and support with every word they dispense. We are drawn to those people that have a way of bringing out the best in us. In contrast, have you ever seen someone all dressed up in the finest clothing, shiniest shoes and coiffed hair and your impression was very good? And then they spoke and their words reflected the opposite of their pristine appearance. The true essence of what is within is not always visible, but it will be eventually illuminated. In Galatians 5:22 we are told what good fruit is. In everything we do, think and become, we should be rooted in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. Then everyone will want to share in our fruit and that is how we teach and pass it on.