What’s a fruit tree kept in secret?

Last Monday I was walking home from ministry and found myself in awe of how much beauty the streets held. The ancient European architecture tattered by time caught my eyes. As I continued walking, I passed a rusted iron fence with berries draping over the flour de lies. Right as I glanced over at the fruit, a petite lady came out to greet us. She didn’t speak any English, and I don’t speak much Romanian, but she used hand expressions to guide me to her backyard. 

 

She pointed to a large stick, about 4 feet long. I picked it up, ready to hand it off to her, as she shook her head to say a quick no. She then pushed it back towards me and motioned a swinging bat at a tall standing fruit tree. With hesitation, I pointed at myself for reassurance, she nodded in agreeance, and soon enough I am whacking this tree. With one strike, 5 fruits fell. She smiled softly at me. 

 

I ended up with a bag of fruit called yellow quinces at the end of my visit. I say “mul?umesc” and leave with such joy. It was an act of hospitality for her to invite me into her yard, her prized possession, her yellow quince tree. This reminded me of John 15, where Jesus tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches. When we abide in Him we will bear much fruit. 

 

He is the gardener of our spirits. He prepares fruit in us to be shared with His children, to have heaven come and make His name known. Fruit from the Lord is not meant to be held onto and kept secret. Fruit from the Father is meant to bless people and be proof of the creator at work. Fruit from God is the tangible blessing and gift that can be shared with all. The Lady from Craiova was such a beautiful reflection of this idea. 

 

She offered up her fruit with no hesitation. She pulled me in quickly to share what she had been blessed with. What would our lives look like if we were quick to share the fruit the Lord has grown in our spirits. How much of His love would cast out the darkness in our communities? How much Joy would cover our affliction? Could an abundance of peace hold power over our despair? Would we run to patience in time of conflict? Could we find moments to be kind even when our enemies voice seems stronger than the Lords? How much goodness would we be able to see in our enemies, knowing they are still Gods beloved child? Would we remain faithful to those who seem too far gone? Could our gentleness in speech uplift those who have been torn down? How far could our self-control encourage others to walk in the freedom the Father offers us daily?

 

I want to walk in your abundant harvest Father. Grow fruit that shows your character Lord. I want to live in generosity, knowing that an encounter with your child is an opportunity to share your gifts.