Summer fruit… Is there anything better to help you cool down on a sticky Southern Ohio June afternoon? Sure, jumping into a pool will do the trick, but when splashing isn’t an option, summer fruit can help you tackle the heat in big and beautiful ways.
A cold, delicious grape popping in your mouth can transport you out of the heat. A bowlful of chilled watermelon has the power to replenish a dehydrated spirit. And fresh peaches? They are the best!
Don’t get me talking about strawberries, cherries, blackberries, or other fresh-picked produce still warm from the sun when you eat it. Yum! Isn’t it amazing that something so small can make such a big impact?
Galatians tells us about another tasty and replenishing treat. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are big concepts of life, which are often doled out in small but mighty nibbles of goodness.
God has a habit of using little things to do big stuff. Mustard seeds, drops of water, and morsels of bread bring about transformation. A kiss or touch breaks down barriers of shame and guilt. A dash of salt adds flavor to an entire dish and watch out when someone lights a lamp and puts it up on a lampstand. It gives light to the whole house! That doesn’t begin to mention a flower, a boy’s sack lunch, a pinch of yeast, a coin, or a baby.
I witnessed some fruitful ministry moments this week. While hosting Family Promise, one of our guests was celebrating his eighth birthday and one of our volunteers bought him a celebratory balloon, followed by several of the other hosts jumping into a marathon game of Uno helping to make his birthday a little more special.
A first-time worship guest received a warm greeting even before entering the building, which set the tone for the day.
Our open invitation to Holy Communion helped healing begin for a disenfranchised worship guest who has been hurt by the church.
A volunteer spent an evening pulling weeds in the labyrinth, so the path would be clear for those who want to walk and pray on our property.
Staff rallied around someone who was processing the death of a close friend when they stopped by the church office. The small gestures of a tissue to wipe away tears and a hug brought comfort in a moment of pain.
In these early days of summer, keep your eyes and heart open to notice the little things. All around us every day, there are brief moments when God carries out holy actions. It is here that our living God continues to do some of the best teaching about grace and hope. Far too often, we miss it.
When the Holy Spirit gives you a nudge to reach out, speak up, or spring into action, do it. Your small act or word in Jesus’ name might bring refreshment and hope.
Taste and see that the Lord is good!
Pastor Lowell