Our family has returned to our country roots. We have recently moved to the outskirts of town on a little over an acre plot of land. We have discovered many familiar plants sprinkled across our piece of heaven, from sage bushes, pecan trees, crape myrtles, and mesquites. While walking early one morning, I was greeted by deer, turkeys, and feral hogs. One of our favorite places is an outdoor sitting area. It is such a peaceful place to unwind and ponder. One morning, while sitting outdoors, I noticed something unusual, something I had never seen. Upon closer investigation, I noticed a couple of pieces of fruit hanging from this unknown bush. What could it be?
After a Google search and asking around the neighborhood, I finally texted the former owner. To my surprise, it was a pomegranate bush. What a great blessing! Days are filled with checking my crop of two pomegranates and pulling the water hose from my rainwater storage tank. I continue to learn how to care for my pomegranate bush, but I am mostly relearning how to remove mesquites, watch the sage bushes to see when the rain might come, watch out for feral hogs on my early morning wall, and embrace a familiar way of life.
I have been reading Ecclesiastes the last few mornings. We all need reminding about what life is all about. Ecclesiastes 11:1 says, “Send your bread out on the water because, over time, you may find it again.” What bread have we cast upon the water today? How would it look if the bread we chose to cast upon the water was kindness, peace, grace, and mercy?
May we return to the familiar: pomegranates, sage bushes, and mesquites. Perhaps, there, we will rediscover the purpose of life, a life lived for Jesus.
Always Remember and Never Forget…GOD LOVES YOU!
Pastor Tom
Long Talk…. 