Children are like berries
They start as lovely flowers, perfect and pure.
They grow then, in clumps and the oldest ripen first;
Some ripen faster than others.
When picked and appreciated, it seems the others rejoice and grow more delicious.
The picking season may only last a few weeks, or moments.
Sometimes, we are too busy to pick the ripe ones.
We miss their little successes in life because of interest in our own!
It is a sad thing if they are missed and fall to the ground, unappreciated.
Eighteen Summers. That is all we have with them.
Turn around and they are grown, over-ripe for appreciation and honor then.
Today, they are ready to be used and appreciated in a delicious way, don’t miss it.
Be observant and check the bushes everyday lest the prime of their offering be missed.
This is their first chance at the pie of life. If this experience is soured with neglect, or indifference…
It takes a huge work to make the second growth become a promise.
Love those little berries while they blossom and ripen in your care.
Watch closely for their individual perfection and praise them with heaps of love.
This life is your pie, this is your second growth, parents…make it sweet for them, and count your summers as well as your blessings!
WARNING…
Often berry bushes send out long thorny suckers that discourage harvest. These unproductive, branches reach for the harvester as they grow; hanging down over the ripe berries with painful little spikes just waiting for a target.
Such are the wiles of the Enemy that seeks to thwart loving, patient parenting so little berries turn sour, fall to the ground and are crushed.
Cut off those suckers in prayer Mom and Dad, and treasure each moment as your little berries grow and ripen under your care.
