![]() My Dad and I picked apples the other day. A tradition we enjoy and provides blessings throughout the weeks to follow. When I returned home, rather than placing the apples in the basket one at a time, in a hurried state, I opened the bag and placed the basket on top. I then carefully lifted the bag and basket at the same time and flipped. In my mind, I saw then nearly filling the basket and then If pull the bag out. Have you already predicted this plan didn't quite go as planned? The majority of apples followed the rules and stayed within the perimeter of their safety zone yet a handful decided to jump from the basket and tolled from the counter to the floor and then bounced...and bounced...and rolled until the only thing left shaking...was my head.
He sees us as the beautiful red apple growing on the tree, waiting to be picked. Yet, because of sin, some apples fall of the tree and others jump from the basket to roll and bounce along the floor. Which apple are you? Of course, while we all are sinners, not everyone has the same amount of bruises. This is what makes us unique and the person we are. It's up to us to decide what to do with our bruises, do we put make up on over them, wear a mask so those around us don't know? Do we share with only those close to us? Do we attempt to live life on our own with no support from family and friends? Do we blame God and run in the other direction? (I chose this option for a little over a decade after the kidnapping of my sister) Do we call out to God for help, for strength, and His grace and mercy to survive? Just like the apples, we can NEVER remove the bruises and brokenness BUT we can become something more beautiful and useful when we nurse our wounds, seek His wisdom, invite God into our life, and recognize the bruises are merely a new aspect of who we are and we have a choice.
Will you share your apple crisp and make a
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