A few weeks back I was attempting to tidy up the garden a bit and noticed something red amongst the greenery growing in the cracks of our patio. Lo and behold there was a strawberry plant with two bright red strawberries. Laying beside them was a bright red slender red chilli. (I suspect this was one my husband discarded after it had dropped onto our kitchen floor!)
Sometimes we find things where we least expect them, or at times we least expect. It was the end of October so way past the strawberry season.
I’m not sure I would want to eat the chilli and the strawberries at the same time, despite them both being bright red, but I love a hot chilli and sweet fruit with my yoghurt.
Do you prefer hot and spicy food or sugary sweet food? My husband loves curries and I love puddings.
In life we might sometimes be “hot and fiery” and at other “soft and sweet.” Just as the chilli and the strawberry made an interesting picture so can we, when we live alongside others who are different to us. Tolerance of diversity makes for a peaceful life, sincere interest in our different cultures makes life exciting. Acceptance of different religions makes for harmony and a common purpose in serving our neighbours.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you that we are all different, that we all valued and important. Help us to accept difference and embrace diversity. Help us to be hot and spicy as well as sugary and sweet in all that we do, as we strive to live out your purposes here on earth. Amen