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Fruit of Your Labor

Fruit of Your Labor

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Fruit of Your Labor--flower and vegetable garden with orchard in backgroundMy dad’s garden and orchard fed our family plus dozens of others. He spent years growing food and flowers as a labor of love. Dad also understood what it means to enjoy the fruit of your labor.

The fruit of your labor means the reward for your work.

Your efforts pay off. Because you refuse to give up, you bear fruit.

Long hours and hard work make you appreciate the fruit of your labor.

  • Farmers harvest their crops.
  • Gardeners enjoy vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
  • Students celebrate graduation.
  • Business owners enjoy profits.

You benefit from your investment of:

  • Time
  • Money
  • Muscle (mental or physical)

The harder the work the more enjoyable the fruit of your labor.

Life may give you long rows to hoe. However, you usually reap what you sow. Greater efforts result in greater rewards.

Make relationships your most important investment.

According to the Bible, the greatest commandments are to love God and love one another. The best fruit does not result from a focus on self. Rather, it grows from love and service.

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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Grow Like a Weed

Grow Like a Weed

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Grow Like a Weed-a field of goldenrod with hay and a barn in the backgroundMy youngest relatives grow like a weed. One day, they are knee high to a grasshopper. The next, they stand as high as my shoulder. Now, most tower over me.

It takes longer than three days for that to happen. However, they do grow fast.

To grow like a weed means to grow quickly.

If we have a garden, we have weeds. We pull the weeds. A day or two later, we have more weeds. Tall weeds. The battle never ends.

To grow like a weed also means to grow well.

We want our vegetables or flowers to grow well. When we bite into tomatoes, still warm from the vine, we almost burst with joy. Yet, to enjoy those tomatoes, we must deal with pesky weeds.

Weeds grow almost anywhere.

 In addition to gardens, we find them in:

  • Yards
  • Fields
  • Parks
  • Cracks in sidewalks

Many weeds are beautiful.

People in Kentucky try to keep dandelions out of our yards. Yet, a first-time visitor from South Korea loved our beautiful yellow flowers.

Considered a weed by many people, goldenrod is Kentucky’s state flower. It turns a bare field into an ocean of gold.

All of us were created to grow.

We may not grow as fast or as well as a weed. However, we can grow and bloom where we are planted. Let’s make the world a more beautiful place with our presence.

“We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field” (1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Stick to the Ribs

Stick to the Ribs

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Stick to the Ribs--platter of roast beef , potatoes, carrots, onionsI recently said I thought gravy was for the birds. J.T. Henderson commented, “Now gravy I like – ‘stick-to-the-ribs’ food.” My dad often said the same thing.

We usually like foods that stick to the ribs.

We describe them as:

  • Good to taste and good for you
  • Long lasting
  • Energy giving

They keep us going, even on cold, snowy days. They offer comfort. Sometimes they make us think of home.

Foods often described as stick to the ribs include:

  • Chili or thick soup (especially in cold weather)
  • Biscuits and gravy (even if I disagree)
  • Steak and potatoes

 My favorites include:

  • Roast beef with potatoes, carrots, and onions
  • Corn from my garden
  • Coleslaw
  • Cornbread
  • Chocolate covered almonds (or almost anything chocolate)

Many favorites are not really good for us.

We simply like to eat them.

  • We know we should eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Yet, we say, “Forget the salad. Give me something that will stick to the ribs.”

Perhaps a better description for them would be stick to the belly. Getting food to stick there is easy as pie. However, when we try to get it off, we have our work cut out for us.

“Therefore, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).

Thanks to J.T. Henderson for the idea. What is your favorite stick-to-the-ribs food? Comment below.

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