How's the health of our "tree"? I recently went on a peach picking outing with my grandies. It was a warm Oregon morning, the sun-warmed peaches hung thick on heavy branches. The scent was heavenly. The youngest peach picker was anxious to pull the first fuzzy fruit he could reach. His sister was right there to help.Some were just not ready to be picked yet! Others fell into the hand with a slight persuasion. These were healthy trees and provided many perfect fruits to fill the bucket.

Like in our grieving, there must be a readiness to take the next step. I find if I'm filling my heart and soul with the encouragement and comfort found in God's Word and spending time in prayer, the next steps seem easier. Like the fruit that falls into my hand. I know it's ready. It's time. Time for a new step in this journey God has called me to and the fruit of His harvest. I know all things will be in His timing. And I know I cannot hurry that process. I can only tend to feeding on His Word, spending time in prayer, and making sure the tree stays healthy. He will find ways to use the ripened fruit.