Tomato

It’s taken a while, but our big tomato plants are finally delivering fruit at a good pace!  We’ve already had to get creative with a crazy amount of delicious red and yellow cherry tomatoes, but it’s awesome to be able to drop “slabs” of tomato on burgers, sandwiches, and fresh mozzarella!

Whether tomatoes are big or small, it’s pretty amazing what happens when their branches stay vitally connected to the central trunk or vine.  The vine and roots are branches’ source of stability, water, and vital nutrients, which make possible fruit that satisfies and nourishes!

Whether from kindergarten (cups with soil & seeds by the windows) or other life experiences, we all know this stuff.  It’s foundational!

Sun -> Water -> Seed -> Soil -> Plants -> Delicious!

That’s why Jesus made the audacious claim to his disciples and to anyone and everyone, “I am the vine; you are the branches,” and “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” He wanted us to understand that a vital faith-life connection with him is foundational to an enduringly fruitful life.

The next time you enjoy a fresh caprese salad, savor pasta with an amazing marinara sauce, or bite into a delicious BLT sandwich, remember those tomatoes came from branches receiving life from a living vine.  Like those branches, we can draw life from Jesus and see our lives produce fruit that blesses others.  Fruit like love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, making a positive difference in all circumstances.  Let’s do it!