Thursday, September 17, 2015

Dear God,

When we think life is dull and boring, you challenge us to pause and take another look.  As our eyes, ears, and nose scan the horizon, we can begin to see, hear, and smell what was lost to us moments before.

I thought of this today as I preserved apples.  The moment the apples started cooking in the big stockpot, I realized how much I cherish life.  The aroma of cooking apples is divine.  The beauty of each apple, some really red, some yellow, and some green and red, with shiny skins and colors is amazing.  The taste, oh my goodness, is heavenly.  The final product, New England Cinnamon Applesauce with four varieties of apples is positively exciting.

And to think...you made the tiny seed, the warm sunshine, the rain, the spectacular colors and varieties, the ability to grow and hang on a tree, the delicious taste and texture, and the method to preserve for later use.  You did all this.

When we are tempted to be bored or think life is not really worth very much, we can just stand in an orchard or sit in a kitchen where apples cook or just eat an apple and give thanks.

Ever-Creating God,
thank you
for seeds
and orchards
and apple trees
and fresh applesauce.
Thank you
for reminding us
to pause
once in a while
and see
life is good.
And when
life is good,
remind us
to share it
with others.

Love, Andrea