It’s apple picking time. Branches are heavy with the makings of pies, cobbler, cider and sauce. Roadside stands are decorated with baskets of Granny Smiths, Cortlands and Golden Delicious apples mixed with mums. Big yellow school buses are unloading city children to roam orchards and perhaps to give them an opportunity to pick their very first apple. Last week someone gave me an apple because I am a teacher. It is sitting on my desk. I probably should eat it but I like the idea of it being.
Twice in the Old Testament God’s people are referred to as being the “apple of His eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:8) The Hebrew word translated “apple” really is the word for “pupil.” Literally the Old Testament says we are the “pupil of His eye.” The pupil lets light inside. Maybe that’s why students are called pupils. I like the idea that we are basically the light of God’s life. Don’t you just love the expression on people’s faces when they are snuggling their child? The light that goes in comes right back out as parents glow. God must glow when He sees us do well just as parents almost burst when their child does well.
If you love God, and I’m sure you do, today try to do something that will make Him especially proud of you. Give something to someone in need. Help someone with a difficult project. Make life easier for someone with heavy burdens to bear. Visit an old person. No, don’t come to see me. I’m not old yet. I’ll let you know when I am ready for an old person visit.
In the meantime it really is grand to be the “apple” of God’s eye.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 21, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org