What is your favorite fruit, Kim?

I love the idea of picking fresh fruit. I remember picking strawberries with my grandma when I was a little girl. But bending over in the hot sun for any length of time is tiring. I also remember going to Cherry Hill and climbing ladders and trees to pick cherries with my mom when I was young. I think that was my favorite because of the climbing. Maybe it is the gymnast in me. Cherries were especially special because there were only a couple of weeks to pick them, and you had to time it just right. It was very finicky based on just the right weather conditions. Since living in SC, G and I have spent the last few years picking blueberries. Those berries are small, but take a mighty long time to pick when the bushes are plentiful. It can take hours over multiple days for just a few bushes. You’re bending to get the lower ones and reaching overhead until your arms are ready to fall off for the ones overhead. And this past summer SC had 90s day after day for months.

Depending on the fruit, there is more work than just pick and enjoy. Some requires work to remove stems, seeds or skins. I don’t know about you, but I love eating whole cherries and spitting out the pits. There is something rewarding in that. But I also appreciate taking time to clean fruit and present it beautifully. Easy to eat. Easy to share. When it is all said and done, there is a reward in sitting back and enjoying the sweetness of some fresh fruit especially with others.

Rewarding Work

Summer is often associated with fun in the sun, but it has its own work as well. After all, if we did not pick the fruit, what isn’t enjoyed by birds, bunnies and deer would eventually rot. In keeping with my nature theme, as humans, we all have gifts and talents. Sometimes we build our lives around achieving a goal. Once we reach it, we say, "I did it," and then allow the gift that got us there to sit unused.

But we don’t have talents to just satisfy ourselves, despite what our culture might tell you.

Although, I do think there is some personal satisfaction in accomplishing a goal or honing a craft. But that is not the end of the story. We ultimately should want to share that gift with others. I think about becoming a PT, I went to school and got my doctorate. I completed continuing education with certifications in orthopedics and lifestyle medicine. But hanging my license and certifications on a wall is meaningless.  It’s sharing what I learned with others to help them heal that gives meaning and joy to my work. Those moments when someone gives me a hug or even cries because they can return to their life—and perhaps made a new friend in the process—remind me why I did it all in the first place. I know I don’t have all the tricks of the trade, but honestly, what most of my patients share about their experience is the way I interact with them, not having all the answers.

The same is true with our gifts. We don't simply throw them at people and walk away. Sometimes it is a surprise, wrapped up with a bow. Sometimes it is presented in a special way, such as a carved watermelon basket with fruit flowers. And we don't just let it sit there to be forgotten and rot. We give it away. And as a bonus, we get to experience the joy it brings someone else.

Each step is intentional and a moment to rejoice in.

Retrieve. Refresh. Radiate. Rejoice.

            Retrieve: What gifts, talents, or opportunities need to be gathered and put to use before they are forgotten?

            Refresh: How can you present your gift, making it uniquely special?

            Radiate: Who will you share your gift with?

            Rejoice: How will you celebrate the sweet rewards? And with whom?

Upcoming:

All are welcome! Come to the table, no matter your season…

Connect:

What fruit is waiting to be picked in this season of your life? If you're ready to steward what God is growing in your health, gifts, and calling, I'd love to walk alongside you. Schedule a Find Your Energy Discovery Session with me. If you're still figuring out what season you're in or where your field may be, we can meet via a virtual coffee chat. Or if you are in the low country we can meet at a local coffee shop, like Odd Duck, sharing a chai latte and maybe even splurge for a sandwich.

Spiritual Reflection:

May you always be filled with fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:11 NLT 

May you never underestimate how God can use the gifts He has grown in you to nourish, encourage, and bless someone else. The sweetest fruit is often the fruit we share.

Kim

Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach

Hopeandhealinglifestyle.com

kim@hopeandhealinglifestyle.com