With the ripening of berries like currants, Juneberries, and especially raspberries, I have been reminded of past situations at berry time. The following story taken from the book, “Tales From Heritage Farm” by Randall and Wenda Grabau illustrates such a memory.
Judy, my mother-in-law, had a raspberry patch which I inherited when my husband and I moved onto Heritage Farm. I recall her relating a little trick to me that she put into practice when berry picking. In order for me to get a pail full of berries, her counsel to me was to “get down on your knees and look up.”
Out I went, pail in hand. The plumpness of the red berries was evident. They were indeed ready to harvest. The tangy, sweet smell of ripening fruit made my mouth water. I worked my way into the scratchy patch. With every move I made, the tangle of thorny arms of raspberry plants reached out to snag me. I picked every ripe berry I could see.
Then, in response to her words, I got on my knees and looked up. I was amazed that there in that world down under the raspberry leaves bobbed hundreds of bright red treasures ready for the picking. Judy was right! What sound advice she gave me that day.
Since then we have enjoyed raspberry shortcake, jam, jelly, syrup, sauce, and, of course, luscious pie. My technique of eyeing the crop from above the patch did produce a yield. But a much greater, more abundant harvest was just underneath the canopy of leaves. I simply needed to “get down on my knees and look up.”
We all have scratchy places in life similar to the berry patch. These places seem to reach out to grab us or trip us up. They may be as simple as berry bushes or maybe a “scratchy job” or a “snag in an uncomfortable relationship.”
Whatever it may be, why not try using Judy’s raspberry tactics?
My mom-in-law, my friend, my sister-in-the-Lord, Judy, recommends, “Don’t just stand and look down at the patch (or situation), but, rather get down on your knees and look up.” Look up to the Lord Jesus; call out to Him in prayer.
In Jeremiah 33:3, God invites each of us, “Call unto me, and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known.” In any situation, whatever it may be, He will answer and show us many hidden things that we do not realize are just beyond our sight. Just as in the raspberry patch, we can see beneath the surface and behold the treasures He has placed there for us. But we must call to Him.
Right there in your scratchy spot, take Judy’s great advice: “Get down on your knees and look up.”
Cauliflower Carrot Casserole
4 cups sliced carrots (about 8)
1 medium head cauliflower broken into flowerettes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 cup chicken broth or boullion
½ cup milk
1¼ cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 2-3 ounce can French fried onions
Cook carrots and cauliflower in water just till tender. In medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and mustard and cook till bubbly. Remove from heat, stir in broth and milk. Cook stirring constantly till thick. Add 1 cup of cheese and stir till melted. Combine sauce with vegetables and half of the onions. Turn into a 1½ quart casserole. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes. Top with remaining onions. Bake 5 minutes longer or till heated through. Serves 6-8.