Reflect Jesus

Reflect Jesus - Pass the Fruit
When I was just a youngun' we found our entertainment in the company of friends. Vacations were non-existent, "formal" evenings out were just as rare, movies were an occasional treat at best. And so, picnics, potluck dinners, and company dinners were where we found our relaxation.

Mom was a wonderful cook. As a matter of fact, my husband gave me explicit instructions to never turn down an opportunity to eat with Mom and Dad. She never spared the seasoning goodies so, as my younger daughter once observed, each green bean was individually buttered . . . and all the other delicious goodies were treated with equal care.

I have never been a particular lover of fruit salad, something Mom frequently served. I enjoy fruit just fine, but I want every member to remain in a neutral corner. Don't come running to the center of the ring and join in a mad melee, which ends up tasting like sweet soup. However, I have always eaten fruit salad because I know it is "good for me" and also for the following reason: the fruit salad bowl.

Mom served her fruit salad in a half-football shaped cut glass bowl. It caught the light in a wonderful fashion and reflected it back to my myopic eyes in a dancing rainbow of color. This bowl was a wedding gift to Mom and Dad from Dad's aunt, my namesake, and it stood on three great little legs and one leg which was broken and had been repaired. No matter, it was the perfect bowl. There has never been one more beautiful.

I have always held the opinion that every mother should have a fruit salad bowl. When the family comes together or when friends come to call, the bowl should be brought out, set in a place of honor (always in the sunlight), and filled with fruit.

Perhaps there is a life lesson to be learned here. When we are polished up, set near the Son, and filled with good things, then we shine and shimmer and show ourselves to be the best we can be!

Please pass the fruit!