Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Firstfruits


"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10

One of the most pleasant surprises when we bought our home was the selection of fruit trees that now belonged to us - lemons, bananas, persimmons, and figs! The fig tree, located just outside my bedroom window, has taught me more about faith than seemed possible

The figs, oh, the figs! They are so delicious. I never knew what a fresh fig tasted like until I tasted these. And to think that at one time in my life my only connection to figs was the Fig Newton.

Each summer when fig season rolls around I watch eagerly, waiting to pick the first of the season. As summer progesses I look out my window each day waiting to see that the figs are ready to be picked. When they are finally ready, I head outside and pick the first few... for my friend Barbara.

Yes, the first fruits of my fig tree always go to Barb! Does she pay my mortgage or tend to my garden? No. But I know what joy they give her. And knowing they will please her makes it so easy to give them away. As much as enjoy eating my figs, giving them to her tasted even more delicious.

Lord, help me to offer the first fruits of my life to You with the same willingness and excitedness as I give my figs to my friend. Let me honor you with my heart and actions.