Slinging Chow and Fruitless Trees

An empty-nester friend of mine was recently reflecting on the long days at home with a growing family. “You just gotta keep slinging chow,” she said with a laugh. I laughed too . . . but not quite as hard as she did. It hit a little too close to home, you know? As soon as I clean the kitchen, it’s time to cook again.

My people are always eating. Three times a day. It’s ridiculous. Though I’m certain that serving my family is my primary calling right now, there are moments in this season when I wonder what—other than temporarily full bellies—I am producing here. Is there going to be any fruit from all this work? Why can’t I see it yet? When, if ever, will all this labor pay off?

David, I think, must have understood my frustration. He lived in a dry, arid land. Because rainfall wasn’t a guarantee, fruit trees needed to be purposefully planted near a water source. These healthy trees could then grow to produce delicious food for people to enjoy. But it certainly didn’t happen immediately.

Newly planted fruit trees can take years to bear their first crop. Before those blossoms form, trees will appear to be barren and unproductive. Fruitless. This time of barrenness is necessary in the life cycle of the tree. It’s not an indication that the tree isn’t healthy, just that bearing fruit requires maturity. And maturity takes time. Good fruit takes time.