Happy are those who trust in the LORD, who rely on the LORD. They will be like trees planted by the streams, whose roots reach down to the water. They won’t fear drought when it comes; their leaves will remain green. They won’t be stressed in the time of drought or fail to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8, Common English Bible.
One morning I arrived at church before anyone else and had to wait. I decided to harvest mansanitas from a tree in front of the church and began reflecting on God’s grace. I started to view the tree, with its red, green, and pale orange fruits, as a symbol of God’s grace
No one planted this tree; it just sprouted here. But it shades the church foyer and provides fruit for the children who come to church. For some time now, only a few people have come to church because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet even with no one to water it, this tree has continued to grow and bear fruit while also offering a home to many birds and insects. God has sustained the tree, and the tree sustains the lives of others. What an image of grace!
The tree is blessed as it blesses others. When I am blessed to be able to pick fruit from the tree, I share it with my two children waiting at home. My firstborn has asked me to bring home the fruit every Sunday because it makes him feel as if he and his brother also went to church. Although my children miss going to church, through the mansanita fruit I am able to extend a bit of God’s grace to them.
Today's Prayer: God our provider, teach us to know your grace, even through the smallest fruit that you provide in your creation. Amen.
Thought for the Day: What images of God’s grace do I see in my community?
Prayer Focus: Those who are home-bound.
Pasion-Bautista, Earlie. “Upper Room Devotional for October 19th, 2022.” The Upper Room, Upper Room Ministries, 19 Oct. 2022, https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2022-10-19.
