This Chiku tree (Sapodilla) in the above photos, has fruits most of the time in the year. From July to October, it is usually with plenty of fruits. When we planted the sapling five years ago, the gardener told us that it would bear fruits from the third year. That is how it has been since the third year!
It receives the usual attention the other fruit bearing trees receive in our garden. It is a tree where birds and squirrels come to look for their feed. They reach the ripe fruit before we can pluck them.
It yields its fruits and shares them to all alike!
In the narration of the creation of the earth and its vegetation, found in the first book of Old Testament of the Bible Genesis I:11, 'Then God said, 'Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees baring fruit after their kind, with seed in them on the earth" and it was so'.
I have often looked at this tree in the recent months with a question in my mind! How is that this tree produces the fruits, which look and taste similar all the time! The tree is genetically conditioned to do so! It bears fruit when the soil conditions and weather favour the tree.
Since eleven years Anna and I started living in this state of Kerala, we have observed some serious challenges that people face to live soberly and fruitfully. In our own village there are more people who habitually drink alcohol than before. There are more elderly people living alone than before, although their children are well placed. Children in the pre-school years are already used to mobile phones that they replace it for the social times they were used to, with other children in the neighbourhood. Most families, because of the need to have a double income, have parents working for long hours in their work place. The social visits we used to make to keep in touch have declined considerably. The mid week fellowship meetings which the local churches used to have are poorly attended now.
The social climate that adults and children are part of now, make them more insular with their personal pursuit!
Th social setting has changed that the sense of belonging to the neighbourhood is no more a natural attitude.
I see this as a major change affecting the cordial social climate in a community.
Our fruitfulness as humans is, when we can be a means of support and encouragement to others around us. When we live with a social consciousness, other's needs and concerns touch us to respond!
A friend called yesterday to say that he is getting engaged next week. He shared his happy experience, which brought a good feeling of nearness to his transition in life. Anna and I felt included in his transition.
Our existence is to bring cheer and care into the lives of others.
That is fruitful living!
Bearing fruits that others can receive !
Given to give!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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