Waiting on Tomatoes

Caspian Pink!
Growing Patience
More than any other character trait, patience challenges me. I often pray for more patience, despite my friends’ half-joking warnings that it’s a dangerous thing to request.
Each summer I grow a “Juliet” grape tomato for salads and a larger heirloom for slicing. Last year’s “Black Krim” was incredibly tasty, but prone to splitting. This year I chose “Caspian Pink.”
Spring was cool so I planted late. Summer has been cool as well. Last year I harvested my first tomatoes in June; this year my first Juliets were ready in late July, and just two days ago I finally had one ripe Caspian Pink.
I eagerly washed and sliced the fruit, then took a tentative first bite.
I learned I can chew and smile at the same time as I sampled its incredible tomato flavor.This tomato is sweet, with a hint of acidity. The fruit has a fabulous texture and they’re not too “wet” to use on sandwiches.
This tomato is worth the wait.
Surely, if I can be patient with a plant, I can be patient with people.

Thanks, God, for this tasty exercise in patience.

5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT)