Knee-high by the Fourth of July

“Knee-high by the Fourth of July” is an old adage used by corn farmers near and far to measure the success of their crops come Independence Day.  With advancements in technology, corn is typically much higher than knee-high by the 4th of July these days, so we can enjoy this summer favorite much sooner!  

Corn on the cob and summer go hand in hand for me. (Or should I say, ear in hand?) I enjoy them plain, drenched in butter, with salt and pepper or even sprinkled with parmesan cheese and my favorite is grilled on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair!    The challenge for me is to wait for them to be harvested in Minnesota. 

Have you ever eaten corn on the cob that was harvested too early?  It has no flavor.  Or how about a tomato?  Many farmers harvest their tomatoes when they are green so as not to bruise during transportation.  Upon arrival, the green tomatoes are sprayed with oxygen to turn the skin red, but the inside is not as sweet the vine ripened.  

We know God wants us to bear good fruit too, however, we need to be patient with ourselves and stay connected to Him…our vine.  John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Let us pray: 

Gracious God, thank you for being my vine, nourishing my soul and giving me an abundant life.  Help me to hold on to you tightly as the storms of life try my patience, tempting me to let go of you.   Help me to bear fruit that will sweeten your world.  Amen.