(An exerpt from Tales from Heritage Farm.)

We all have scratchy places in life similar to the berry patch.  These places seem to reach out to grab us or trip us up.  They may be as simple as berry bushes or maybe a “scratchy job” or ” snag in an uncomfortable relationship.”

Whatever it may be, why not try using Judy’s raspberry tactics?

My mom-in-law, my friend, my sister-in-the-Lord, Judy recommends, “Don’t just stand and look down at the patch (or situation), but rather get down on your knees and look up.”  Look up to the Lord Jesus; call out to Him in prayer.

In Jeremiah 33:3, God invites each of us, “Call unto me, and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things you have not known.”  In any situation, whatever it may be, He will answer and show us many things that we do not realize are just beyond our sight.  Just as in the raspberry patch, we can see beneath the surface and behold the treasures He has placed there for us.  But we must call to Him.

Right there in your scratchy spot, take Judy’s great advice:  “Get down on your knees and look up.”

(For a reminder of making that important call, see the card, Party Line.)

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(An exerpt from the book, Tales from Heritage Farm.)

The Inviting Crop

Judy, my mother-in-law, had a raspberry patch which I inherited when my husband and I moved on to Heritage Farm.  I recall her relating a little trick to me that she put into practice when berry picking.  In order for me to get a pail full of berries, her counsel  was, “Get down on your knees and look up.”

Out I went, pail in hand.  The plumpness of the berries was evident.  They were indeed ready to harvest.  The tangy, sweet smell of ripening fruit made my mouth water.  I worked my way into the scratchy patch.  With every move I made, the tangle of thorny raspberry plants reached out to snag me.  I picked every ripe berry I could see.

A Hidden Treasure

Then, in response to her words, I got down on my knees and looked up. . . There in that world down under the raspberry leaves bobbed hundreds of bright red treasures ready for the picking.  Judy was right!  What sound advice she gave me that day.

Since then, we have enjoyed raspberry shortcake, jam, jelly, syrup, sauce, and, of course, luscious pie.  My technique of eyeing the crop from above the patch did produce a  yield.  But a much greater, more abundant harvest was just under the canopy of leaves.  I simply needed to “get down on my knees and look up.”

(To be continued)

photo credit: Zaqqy J. via photo pin cc

photo credit: Olga Oslina via photo pin ccA