Saturday, January 20, 2018

Two Apples

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged." ~ Matthew 7:1
Playful and sometimes a bit mischievous, Allis was a handful!  Her dark brown eyes were filled with vitality and self-assurance.  Reddish brown pigtails added to an overall impish appearance.  Snuggles and smiles had long since been traded for tantrums and egocentrism.   Today was one such case in point.
Allis and her Mom (Beth) enjoyed some quiet time in the tall grass beneath a cloudless, azure sky. The scent from pink, creamy apple blossoms permeated their senses; an aroma not missed by the peaceful humming of bees sipping the nectar, gathering pollen.  Nature provides such a wonderful backdrop Beth thought.
Allis spied a magnificent apple tree with emerald green leaves; it’s luscious, red apples waiting to be savored.   “Mommy, can I go pick some,” she pleaded.
“Of course, honey,” Beth replied.  “Just watch out for soft spots and worms, ok?”
Allis nodded and scampered off, anxious to find the perfect fruit.  But only a meter tall, she’d have to rely on those that had recently fallen off swollen limbs.
She picked one up; its skin was firm and smooth.  Without biting, she knew instinctively that on the other side of that rich, red skin was crisp white flesh.
Soon she located an almost identical one and lifted it from the ground to drink in the sweet scent.  Before her teeth broke its delicate skin, she pulled it away from her mouth and stared at it again.
Apple peels were works of art - perfect blends of red and yellow in patterns a human hand could never paint.  Such a natural treat.  They didn't shine since they were absent a wax coating.  Home grown, no chemicals, no trucking between states, just fruit right off the tree.
Pleased with her discoveries, Allis scurried back to her mother with a beautiful prize in each hand.
“My love,” Beth asked eagerly, “did you bring one of those apples for me?”
The girl looked up at her mother grinning briefly before taking a bite from one apple … and then the other.
The smile on Beth’s face froze trying hard to conceal her displeasure.  What had she done wrong in raising such a selfish child?  And how could she ‘unspoil’ her ungrateful kid?
Then Allis handed one of her bitten apples to Beth.  “Here you are Mommy, this is the sweeter one,” she said.
Despite our best efforts, we all judge others.  It might be over small things, like a co-worker who took too long of a lunch break.  Or it might be over bigger issues, such as a person who hurts our feelings.  No matter, it’s always wise to delay judgment, to give others the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to explain themselves.
Father, help us to be mindful that it’s not our place to judge others.  We are no better than they are.  Help us to trust in Your almighty plan and the power of Your love to capture hearts and transform others.  Amen