"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
Not only has my roadside garden provided delicious eats this summer, but insight. Are you aware of the similarities in raising children and okra? I sure wasn't. But the more i stayed in the okra patch, the more i was reminded of children.
For starters, both need to be planted in a good foundation... rich in dirt and Truth. If planted too closely to each other, they may look great from a distance, but actually produce less fruit. Adequate breathing space is needed for each plant. Once planted a constant check is needed to insure proper "Son"shine and watering, so the roots receive essential nourishment and don't die. Once the "bud" is visible, a walk around is necessary for optimum harvest. A daily morning check of the plant from all angles eliminate the risk of overlooking the obvious. Baby okra grows up overnight, and if left unattended or haphazardly tended, will quickly become too big, tough and useless. One of the most startling lessons i learned was the need for whipping. A family member told me whipping okra would make it produce more. And, he was right. After whipping, new buds could flourished and grow from needed exposure to the "sun".
Wow, who would have ever thought a roadside garden would also become a lesson on parenthood... or living in the Word.
have a fruit-filled day!
veneal
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