A Pastoral Reflection, Pentecost Week One, A Year of Pandemic Living and Counting, May 21, 2021

‘Tis the season to be gardening, right? We just planted two young trees in our yard, an Orcas Pear and a cider apple tree. We dug deep, fertilized, and built serious hogwire fences to discourage the deer. Hopefully in a couple of years they will bear fruit.

I look forward to that first fresh pear tart. I long for that first jug of naturally fizzy cider that can only come from unpasteurized apples juice. Which, you know, is no longer allowed because there is a small element of risk in unpasteurized products. I risk I am happy to take!
 
Of course, a lot can happen between now and that highly anticipated day of harvest. Life is unpredictable you know. But if we lived out of dread of change we would never plant a garden or a tree. Let alone bring children into the world.
 
As people of faith, we are challenged to put our trust in a future we cannot see. Sure it’s risky. But since when were we ever really in control? We only know that whatever happens, God is making all things new, just as Jesus said. So, let’s take our cue from Martin Luther who said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
 
Blessings!
Pr. Beth