Sharon Kinsey's Reflections

We arrived in Indiana from Western New York in the Summer of 1995. We were building our new house, but it wouldn’t be finished until October, so we rented an apartment. We’d been told that our golden retriever, Marley, would be welcome to stay with us, but once we moved in, we learned that large dogs were not allowed. Marley moved to a pet retreat – he was miserable, we were miserable. The heat and humidity were oppressive. There were several other Bethlehem Steel families who had made the move to Valpo and their kindness was much appreciated.

One day when I was moaning about the fact that we couldn’t get good bagels or crusty Kaiser rolls, one of my new friends said, “Oh, but wait ‘til you taste the blueberries!” I grew up loving blueberries; and I just knew that nothing could ever compare to New Jersey berries or the tiny sweet berries that grew in New England. But, once I’d made that first trip to Blue Sky Farm in Wanatah, my eyes were opened. In this tiny town grew the most beautiful, plump, sweet blueberries I’d ever seen or tasted. They were a gift from heaven above – some were nearly the size of quarters! We ate them by the handful, tossed them onto our breakfast cereal, stirred them into muffin and pancake batter. When my parents came to visit, my mother baked her legendary blueberry pies, one to freeze for Thanksgiving dinner, and a couple to devour right away.

It’s amazing how many Bible verses refer to “Summer fruit.” In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word is “qa-yitz” and it translates as “summer fruit.” It is evidence of God’s blessing and provision. In Deuteronomy 26, the Israelites were instructed to bring a woven basket of summer produce into the Promised Land as evidence of God’s faithfulness.  Summer is always a good time to ponder God’s wonderous creation. We put away our heavy clothes, perhaps do some traveling, or head to the beach for a swim. We are called to gather up the blessings all around us, for this is the time of year to care for and harvest summer crops.  It’s also a good time to invite others to join us for a sermon or Bible study. During vacation Bible camp, outdoor Sunday service, and a church picnic, our beloved faith family welcomes and gathers in those who are hungry to learn more about the promises of the Holy Spirit.

Earlier this week, Jack and I drove to Blue Sky. After almost 30 years of visits, the owner is like an old friend. We talked about her son’s high school graduation and how their beloved German Shepherd had crossed the rainbow bridge. I hugged that 5 lb. box of berries like a treasure. As we drive through the country and into the town with its little post office and manicured Little League field, I think about how our Heavenly Father found just the right place to grow our favorite summer fruit. Tomorrow, I will attempt to make a pie from my mother’s recipe to take to our family picnic on the Fourth of July. This winter, when I toss those frozen berries into my warm oatmeal, I will taste a bit of Indiana sunshine and give thanks for God’s goodness.  

Sharon Kinsey