Friday night Pam and I witnessed "The Harvesting of the Watermelon," an epic event by Jayne. For a simple scissor snip, it was quite ceremonious, and this is why... this watermelon was planted by God (see this post for details). Jayne has been very diligent in tending to it, watering it, turning it over, etc., praying that it would be a fruit that brings glory to its Gardener, as a symbol of his work at International House. After she cut it from the vine, we trooped into the kitchen and watched her cut it, all of us holding our breath, hoping it would be ripe inside (none of us have ever harvested a watermelon before!).
and it tastes good too! In fact, I think it may be the best watermelon I've ever had.
Brenda and Ron stopped by and the five of us feasted on sweet, crisp, juicy watermelon. Ron took a bite and said, "Wow, this is really fresh!" Pam and Jayne and I laughed, telling him it is about as fresh as a watermelon can possibly get - straight off the vine. Jayne gathered the seeds, and decided that next year she would sow them and see what happens. The backyard may be a watermelon field next year!
I was thinking of that watermelon today, and thinking how it is a fruit of the Spirit... It grew because of love, it brought joy to those who watched it grow, it gave peace by reminding us that God is in control, it required patience, gentleness, and self-control to not harvest it too soon or water it too much, it was a gift shared in kindness and goodness, it represented God's faithfulness to us.
We're praying that this is a sign of more "harvesting of hearts" to come this season to our beloved International House!
Connie that is so great! I am glad that you are having a great time in Fort Wayne. If there is a watermelon field you'd better send me one!
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