Walking with God in Blackberry Winter

Cool gentle wind blew over the farm yesterday as I walked between the rows of long vines that bowed back to the earth. White flowers dotted the vines between clusters of tightly fist buds that had yet to bloom. Suspicions confirmed, blackberry winter had set in. Time had proven regardless of if the season was early or late the blooms coincided with cool weather. Tracking the event proved there was more than coincidence at work.  

As I reach my hand out to stroke the petal of a bloom, the still small voice of the Holy Spirit stirred through my soul, “this is the wisdom of God made known.” Heart racing from a word spoken by my King I began to research the effects of weather on pollination. Science confirmed the wisdom of my God, giving glory to Him alone.

“All fruiting plants have an optimal temperature range for the pollination/fertilization process. High temperatures can reduce pollen production, prevent anthers from releasing pollen, kill pollen outright, and interfere with the pollen tubes that serve as conduits for uniting sperm cells and eggs (fertilization) inside undeveloped seeds (ovules). High temperatures can even injure flowers before they open.” University of Maryland, extension.umd.edu pollination of Vegetable Crops in a Changing Climate.

Fruit Growers News at fruitgrowersnews.com reports that, “low temperatures prolong ovule viability and stigma receptivity” and “that low temperatures are beneficial for extending the EPP (effective pollination period) and reaching higher fruit set.”

The blackberry vine begins to bloom and the temperature dips proving the manifest wisdom of God. Year after year the bloom is protected from heat that there might be a high fruit yield so that we, the creation of His hand may receive an abundant blessing from Him. I close my eyes and think of past summers. Who but God could make black fruit swell to reflect light? I linger in the moment and can almost taste the waves of sweet juice that crash over my tongue as the tender berry is pressed against the roof of my mouth. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33 KJV)

Thank you, Lord for showing me Your touch on the blackberry vines. Father, forgive me if I have neglected Your Glory by accepting the work of Your hands as normal and mundane as I race through the days at a mind blistering speed. Remind me again Lord of the wonder in the bird song, the scent of a rose and the miracle of new birth. May they not be dismissed as common. I am reminded of the scripture that, the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20 KJV) Father God, open my eyes to see Your fingerprints all around me, throughout nature. There is none other besides You worth of my praise. Amen.