It’s peach growing season here in North Georgia, although if you remember my video from last season, you know that the most important work happens in winter. Before anyone knows anything green is going to sprout. Life is like that…we have to work when everything looks flat and dead. If I put all my effort in at harvest time, I won’t actually have much to bring in.
But right now is when I have to complete a task I hate, mainly because I’m sentimental and have mush for a heart. I can’t bear this next part but I’ve learned by hard experience that it has to be done.
I have to choose, right now, which peaches get to stay on the tree. I have to choose which peaches get to reach maturity. When peaches grow too close together, it invites disease and pests. Peaches have to be thinned out so that the remaining ones get optimal light and air.
So I look at a cluster of tiny peaches like the ones in my photo and I choose one to pluck off and throw away.
If the peach has already been nibbled by a bird or insect, that makes my job so much easier. But often, the decision comes down to this: which peach will get the most light?
Light matters. Light brings growth and extra protection from pest and disease. Bad things happen where there’s no light.
So I make my decision, pluck a perfectly good peach and throw it away, and hope the remaining peach thrives in the sunlight. I walk slowly back toward the house, so comfortable and air-conditioned, and wonder how much light is getting into my life. I’ve sought to shelter my soul, but I wonder now if I’ve done myself, and others, a disservice at times.
It’s been a hard growing season in America, in so many ways, but summer is coming, and we could all do with a little more light.
3 Responses
Hello Ginger,
I’m reading your book “Missionary of Hope: Priscilla’s Story” and am loving every chapter. I don’t know which I like more: the way you get inside Priscilla’s head and carry me along in her flow of thoughts and prayers? Or the way you present Paul and Luke and Peter and the others, but especially Paul? Or the way you describe the beauty of Priscilla’s surroundings at times throughout the story? I can see all these things in my mind, and hear their words in my heart because of your writing. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know how much I appreciate your gifts and talents. I have an idea for a children’s book and hope to make it a reality someday soon. Thank you for your inspiration!
Pamela
Thank you for your kind comments! I appreciate them so very much! If you have an idea for a children’s story, I would really encourage you to join the SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.) They are an international organization with regional chapters. I’ve been a member for years and have learned an amazing amount of craft tips as well as publishing advice. All my best to you! Ginger
Hi! I just bought the Beauty Secrets of the Bible book and I love it! It says that you have a free party kit online but I cannot find it? Can you share the link please?