chokecherries

On Thursday I had a chance to pick some chokecherries at last. The season is about over for them, I think. Usually the bears and birds have gotten them all by Labor Day. This year must be a bumper crop. It was interesting to observe the bushes where I was picking. The first bush was along my friends driveway, in a sort of windbreak of many different bushes. The berries were pretty ripe, not real full along the branch though. And the strands were only about 2 berries thick.

Then this huge propane truck started up her driveway, so I had to move the van so it could get by. I picked a while more, then the propane truck came by again on its way out. So I just drove down the road a bit to a big shed on their ranch. Right along the fence was a lone chokecherry bush. It was loaded beyond normal loading with chokecherries ! Each strand of berries was a huge handful. In no time my bucket was full enough and I headed home.

This made me think about how us people are. How much we often struggle against loneliness and want to be with our friends. The bush that grew in a group was way less productive than the loner. Plus the lone bush had a stronger trunk from weathering the weather (so profound !!) than the one in the windbreak. I was encouraged to think about gathering strength during alone times, instead of struggling against loneliness. I think there is a difference between loneliness and being alone.

I usually like being out by myself with the critters, rubbing my sheepies chins, watching the piglets play, harvesting the garden and such. The times I struggle with loneliness are usually when self pity is knocking at my door. Thankfully at times like this, I can remember my friend Jesus, who sticks closer than a brother. Not that i always remember, sigh.