Picking Pears

Before fire blight killed the pear tree in our front yard, the tree bore abundant, juicy pears for many years. Across the street from us was a family with three children: Lindy, the oldest, was about seven years old when they moved in, with Geoffrey five, and Michelle only three.

One day when their family was visiting with us I asked their father if he had anyone in his family who was a “pear picker.” He looked puzzled and didn’t answer until Geoffrey’s voice said quietly, “I can pick pears. I’m a pear picker! Then Lindy announced that she, too, was a “pear picker”, and Michelle shouted, “I’m a pear picker! I’m a pear picker!” We made arrangements with their mother for the children to pick and keep the pears. As it was getting dark the family headed home, the children dancing around their parents. A few days later we set up the step ladder. Geoffrey climbed the tree and Lindy and Michelle took turns on the ladder. Some of the branches could be reached from the ground. The children had a very sufficient harvest. Jack and I were invited for pear pie. It was delicious.

On another occasion an Hispanic woman came to my door and pointed at the tree. She smiled and gestured to ask if she could pick some pears. I nodded and said “yes,” and gave her a bag to hold the pears. She was delighted and easily filled the bag just from the lower branches. The pear tree was a blessing for all the years it flourished. It enriched our lives and yielded more than physical nourishment .

God spoke to the Israelites about the blessings they would receive if they remained faithful in the Promised Land: “Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in, and blessed when you go out.”(Deuteronomy28:3&4) When I read the inventory of the blessings, I’m struck by the things that God chooses to promise. They are the very things we identify as the substance of good and joyful living. When some of these fall into my life I cannot doubt their origin. God knows us through and through, and He takes delight in blessing us with His own delight. Jesus told his disciples, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

The pear tree had been a gift from the grounds keeper at our church. He advised me about its care when it was a sapling. He assured me that it would one day bear profusely. He was right.

Love in Him,

Prue