Pineapple Bandits…
It happened again.
Most people don’t realize it takes two years (at least) from the time a pineapple top is planted till it flowers and grows a pineapple. I’ve grown a few, then last year a thief gnawed one clean off the stem and disappeared with it. I had waited one day too many.
That’s how it is with many areas of our lives. We keep waiting one more day to quit a bad habit, to offer forgiveness, to give to someone in need. Then one day we realize our rest has been stolen, our peace has disappeared, and we’ve missed out on true joy.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)
This year three (count them, three) pineapples decided to grow. One had about a month head start on the others. As I worked outside one morning I noted it was just about ready. Sure enough the next morning as I went out with knife in hand, the bandit had struck again. The evidence left was a gutted pineapple skin with only the core inside.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)
Now is the time to write that letter, visit the shut-in neighbor, study His Word. None of us knows what tomorrow holds, how many days we have left, when it will be too late.
So what about my other two pineapples? No hesitation, the moment they looked ready, I cut them. Their fragrance and sweet juice were a delight. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 NIV) Desires put there by Him to shine His light in this hurting world.
We have just this one wild and precious life to share what’s truly important: the good news of salvation and the great promise of eternity. Don’t wait…
parisrenae 
Paris, what a pretty new look to your site. It is new, right? I might be blind, if not. 🙂
Great post today, thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you, but no, this is my original site. However, since you mentioned it, I am under construction with a new site that will just be a .com site that will have a more up-to-date look. 🙂 Blessings as you don’t wait, but move as He moves you…
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What a great analogy. I will think of this pineapple story when I put off important tasks that I think the Lord is prompting me to follow through trying to “make the most of every opportunity”.
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Yes, dear friend, the days are short and the harvest is plentiful… Blessings on the follow through 🙂
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ALWAYS enjoy your posts . . . .you are such a gifted writer!!!!! Thank you for sharing!
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You are so sweet, thank you. Watch out for your pineapples 🙂
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Living in the north, I’ve never seen a pineapple growing! I don’t blame the bandits for their delicious find though;)
Thank you for the reminder not to put off today what we should be doing. There is always a need that needs to be met.
Your #DancewithJesus neighbor,
Julie
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Julie, I don’t ‘tweet’ so I couldn’t answer you personally. But thank you for stopping by. Come on down to Florida and see our pineapples. Not as many farms as there once were, but still some around 🙂 Yes, there is always a need to be met, but He meets it – we just have to be willing vessels!
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