We are all being encouraged to eat healthily with a well balanced diet especially of fruit and vegetables. According to an article I read this week the old Welsh proverb contains more than an element of truth, an apple a day can help to keep the doctor away.
With its generous proportions of vitamin ‘C’, natural fibre and a calorie content that can certainly help reduce the waist line, the apple apparently is coming into its own again With a heavier crop that usual this year, this plentiful supply has encouraged dieticians to wave the flag for the good old apple over the more exotic fruits we have seen emerge in recent years.
Biblically, of course, the apple has not the best of reputations as Christian tradition has held that it was with an apple that Eve persuaded Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit. However, with its variety of flavours, range of colours and falling ideally into the ‘convenient food’ category perhaps we have overlooked its potential.
If we have taken the dependable apple for granted, how often do we give thought to the wonderful and complex creation which surrounds us. The ‘fruits’ of creation are there for us to see. An universe so amazing and mysterious to which we give scant regard as we pump out carbon emissions reflective of the excess of our lifestyles.
There are extremes of wealth and poverty in our world where most are denied the basic needs of food and shelter. According to UNISEF half of all children born in developing countries continue to die of malnutrition, while many more will never survive into adulthood.
At this harvest times churches of all traditions give thanks for God’s provision and faithfulness and acknowledge him as the creator and sustainer of the all he has created. In doing so we also have a God given responsibility to ensure that we all share in the abundance of all that God has provided. The origins of Biblical harvest celebrations was that no one was excluded and that provision was made for all, especially the poor and the needy. In remembering the needs of others we too can truly celebrate the real meaning of harvest.
Thanking God for all his blessings and never forgetting those in greatest need in our world. A time to worship and to remember, to give generously to the needs of others and to be sure that we ALL the ‘apple of God’s eyes’
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
