Romans 12: 9-10 MSG
“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.”
Recently I attended the “B&B” breakfast small group on Thursday mornings at Dale’s Diner. I very much enjoy the energy and passion for all kinds of things popping up in this wonderful town.
A waitress named Shawna, was apparently notified that I was coming. She greeted me within a few feet of my entrance and joyfully said “you must be Pastor Teresa, they are right around the corner.” I sat with the group, we reflected on the Word and then I went my way.
The next Thursday, she greeted me once again, but this time with a cup of coffee before I could even turn the corner. And to my surprise, the following week, as I was conversing with a new friend, Shawna appears with a fresh cup of coffee.
I was overjoyed by her hospitality, but also for the love she has for what she does. She humbly commented after words of appreciation, “It’s just what I do.” I couldn’t help but think of Colossians 3:23 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” She made me feel special, and as I watched her, she made an effort to see everyone, and to love on them also. A great lesson on radical hospitality.
Later, I visited the farming passion of John Nicholson. He showed me his individually seeded gardens and then graciously, and with out hesitation, gave me a couple ears of corn and said “try these out.” I was in hospitality overload and felt such genuine love.
His farm and process brought me back to so many memories of growing up on my daddy’s farm. Harvest time was the norm: peaches, applesauce, cherries, grapes, peas, corn, kohlrabi, cabbage, green beans, brussel sprouts (yuk!), zucchini, squash, potatoes and so much more. Dad’s combines and pickers worked the fields and mom worked the gardens. Yes, gardens! There were no vegetable stands for everyone grew their own crops. Harvest time was divine displays of God’s creation.
Growing up, vegetables were not always my favorite … but fruit! Yum yum! My mother’s canned peaches were the best - like candy. Our table was always full of plenty, but we didn’t get the fruit (or desserts made from them) until we ate our vegetables - all of them. Even though they were good for me I only enjoyed a few, namely corn on the cob, which was as sweet and juicy as the finest fruit!
Vegetables rarely have the same appeal as fruits, yet they are every bit as important, nutritious, and necessary. Yes, we will be known by the fruit we bear — but what about the vegetables? No wonder scripture speaks of the fruit of the Spirit… rather than the “vegetable of the Spirit.” I can just imagine how Paul may have described the veggies…
“Certainly, brothers and sisters, we all seek the fruit of the Spirit; to live in a world of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, but we cannot enjoy the fruits without first suffering the vegetables. Our Father knows what is good for us, gives us that which is often not sweet or good tasting, so that we might thoroughly enjoy the good, which fills us with great joy. Dear brothers and sisters, live a balanced diet, producing both the fruit and the vegetable of the Spirit.
The vegetable of the Spirit are: duty, commitment, justice, hospitality, perseverance, mercy, sacrifice, compassion, tolerance, and accountability. By these things you will be known as people who have truly given themselves to God. The more you attend to these things, the quicker you will enjoy the fruit that accompany them. So deny not these vegetables, but produce them in equal measure to the fruits.”
It made me think, we may need to change some areas in our lives to become a bit more vegetarian. So lets clear our plates, giving as much attention to the vegetables as we do the fruit, and maintain a more balanced diet in our Christian living.
Waterville continues to surprise me with the fruit and vegetable of the Spirit produced. The way you see each other and are masters of keeping it real. How you care for each other, and how so many, whether it flower, vegetable garden, the arts etc - there is a desire to live closer, and to experience a deeper connection to God’s creation. It is such a gift to sense community growth amongst ourselves as Christians and sharing that love with those who desperately need it… even if it is just a cup of coffee or a ear of corn. Walking this life together really does make a difference.
Continued blessings. Know that you are loved and appreciated.
Blessings
Pastor Teresa
