Promises

Yesterday we went fishing at our local favourite beach.  On arrival reasonably early in the morning, we saw many more people than usual fishing and the sea was literally boiling with frenzied fish and sea birds.  The air was electric with excitement, and even though our line wasn't rigged to go it quickly became so and was duly cast out into the melee. Over the past few days on this long anniversary holiday weekend, we watched several spots of such activity on the ocean so we knew there were lots of fish in the water, but this was the closest inshore that they had come.   

However, our goal wasn't the masses of kawhai thrashing about, although one was caught and happily shared with friends with a well-chilled bottle of Hawkes Bay pinot gris, fresh greek salad and rice; (sorry there isn't a photo of that... I was too preoccupied with eating).

We were after the larger fish hidden in the depths that were chasing the shoals of smaller fish across the Bay. They are the real prize being sought, the one that takes more time to hook and land, requiring great patience, skill and even, it may seem, a measure of folly as the easier catch passes by.

Today we delighted in new bursts of growth around the garden and the first flowers emerged on our feijoa tree.  

The whole garden is looking lush and prolific and we feel abundantly blessed with masses of roses on all the bushes, two kowhai flowers appeared on a tree thought to be dead, buxis box hedging is wearing several shades of green, the lemon and mandarin trees have blossoms galore.  

I have never before enjoyed any garden as much as this one.

 

Additionally, our lovely new camera allows me to get up close to capture this beauty as it unfolds. I have been photographing all the development over the past few weeks since pruning everything back hard before Spring but anticipation has been surpassed by the creativity and reward that has come from a seemingly small amount of effort put into weeding, watering and nurturing plants thoughtfully planted by others long gone.

The most amazing thing happened this morning as I was downloading the latest picture of the feijoa flowers to share with my children who are currently overseas.  The ends of each stamen looked to me like a tiny heart shape attached and while I was marvelling at this sight, Pappa spoke, ever so gently; He simply said, "the promise of fruit".

I sat with tears streaming down my face as I contemplated the initial meaning of these words before walking to the lounge to share with Don what had transpired.

Often we wonder if what we are doing in our daily life is of any worth or value to Father, to mankind, our families, or our community, frequently exhorted to stop and take stock of what we are engaged with.  It is human nature to want to see some results but in God's Kingdom business it sometimes is never apparent as we are not seeking recognition, applause or reward.  

Some plough the ground, some plant, some fertilise, some reap the harvest.  By their fruit you will know them.   

Selah.