Peaches and Prunes - Pt 1

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:12-18 ESV). Parker County, Texas, is known for their peaches. In fact, every year along about the first of July there is a wonderful festival held in the county seat of Weatherford, which is not far from where we live now. We have been to that event on many occasions in the past and likely will attend the weekend event again this year. In addition to the entertainment, there are craftsmen of all genres, and of course peach delights of every kind. Peaches are just wonderful. Of all the fruit available, peaches may be at the top of my list. Put them in cobblers, ice cream, pies, jams and jellies, or any one of a hundred other recipes and I like them. There is another fruit that comes to mind as I think about the topic introduced in our reading today, prunes. Don’t chuckle too much. Stay with the thought. As we age we’re like fruit. Think prunes and peaches. Columnist Sidney Harris suggested, “We should become more peach-like on the inside as we become more prune-like on the outside.” Harvey Pothoff observed, “From the day we are born . . . we are aging. Today we are older than we were yesterday and we are younger than we are going to be tomorrow. To live well is to age well.” As true as that is, the question inevitably remains, “What shall we do about aging?” And, while doctors, psychologists, and sociologists offer their answers; I suppose most importantly we should determine how to age in a way that is pleasing to God, helpful to others, and satisfying to us. In the coming days we’ll explore some answers. We’ll look to Scripture as well as learning from the social sciences and living examples of those aging well around us. Remember, we’re on the winning team. As humans we bear the image of God; as believers we are growing in likeness to Jesus Christ and being renewed daily by the Holy Spirit. We’re ripe with potential for growing in wisdom, faith, hope, and love as we age. We live with a paradox. We want to patiently age well here. At the same time the Spirit of God “whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead” (2 Corinthians 5:3-4 The Message). Remember prunes and peaches. It is your choice. Love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, are “fruits of the Spirit.” They grow in your inner garden. Feed them daily by prayer and acts of kindness to become more “peach-like” no matter what your age. You will not be disappointed in the return.