“God’s word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.” Psalms 19 :10 The Message Bible
When I was growing up back in the day, boy does that make me sound old! Our mom would take my brother and I strawberry picking. It was a way for all of us to make some cash during the summer months. Being young I was given grace of a more lenient work standard based on my age and capabilities. My smaller hands would grab the biggest and ripest berries that were easily seen, not always moving the foliage to expose the hidden ripe berries. The farmers called this “creaming the crop” and they never took kindly to pickers doing this. So much so, that they checked the rows to make sure this type of harvesting was not happening. Mother was very mindful and obedient to the rules, thus she encouraged me to pick my rows properly. Doing my best to follow mom’s instructions she would still need to pick the concealed berries that I missed. Making it harder to fill her crates… more work, less perks $$$.
Fondly remembering her acts of love added to the same memory of how sweet and delicious those berries tasted from the vine… way better than store bought! Loving them so much I’m sure I ate my weight in them each summer. As an adult it’s a joy to drive by fruit stands that sell Hood River strawberries… usually seeing lines of people clamoring for their sweetness. Several years ago making a vow that one day I would pull over and treat myself and family to half of flat of these “seasonal jewels”… perhaps this is the year.
So when I came across Psalms 19:10 last year in the Message Bible my heart was blessed even more, realizing that God’s word is better than the strawberries that eager folks wait to purchase. Even better than diamonds that sparkle with brilliance and are called “A girl’s best friend”. What a gift your word is Lord!
A couple of Saturday’s ago, Vicky our dear friend, brought a bowl of Hood River berries to our Bible study. We all thoroughly enjoyed their fresh juicy flavor. Not only would she be feeding our palate with these delicious strawberries, but also was going to feed our spirit’s with Heavenly fruit that is always in season.
Walking away from the study I realized that it’s true… red ripe strawberries of spring do not compare to the sweetness that comes from delighting in your Holy word.
