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Anchor House Week 4: Strawberries

This week I had the chance to come through on a promise I made to one of our regular ships. When they were in port last we were hanging out in the break room with the crew. Somehow we got on the subject of strawberries, Florida strawberries of course. I made the bold statement that Florida strawberries were the best. Trish followed up by clarifying that Plant City’s are the best. She had a point that is hard to argue with.

In the discussion, I told the seafarer that I would bring them some strawberries next time they were at Port Manatee. Sure enough the next time they were in port I ran to Detweillers, first thing in the morning, and picked up a half of a flat of some of the most beautiful strawberries you've ever seen. They were big, red, perfectly placed in the container in a neat and orderly fashion. They looked magnificent.

As we approached the ship, the seafarer whom I had made the promise to waved and said, “You remembered!” After we boarded the ship, we took the strawberries to the mess hall. At this point the magic began to happen. The individual I had brought the strawberries to paid the generosity forward. He shared them with the rest of the crew. I think for most it was their first Florida strawberry. For one member of the crew, it was not only his first Florida strawberry, it was his first fresh strawberry he’d ever eaten.  

Watching these men experience and enjoy something new was gratifying. We may take these strawberries for granted. But for them it was a joy filled experience. I loved the expressions on their faces. As they took their first bite in the juicy, sweet berries and took out their phones to take pictures of massive berries, my heart was filled with joy, as well.  

Reflecting on this experience, I wondered if what I was given was a small glimpse into what God experienced after creation. After creating Adam and Eve in the garden, he gives them every plant and animal, but one of course. Maybe God sat back and enjoyed the joy and wonder of Adam and Eve as they experienced all of these new foods.  

When God finishes man Genesis 1:31 says , “...It was very good.” Completion of all other aspects of creation were simply followed by “it was good”. I envision God sitting back in his rocking chair looking over everything. He looks at the ocean and says ”that’s cool.” He looks at the flowers and says “that’s cool.” He looks at the hippopotamus and says, “that’s cool.” Then he looks at Adam and Eve enjoying a strawberry and says, “Now that is more than just cool. That is VERY cool.”

God thank you for a glimpse of the world through your eyes. It is my prayer that the seafarers who have the privilege to serve will be kept safe. I pray that you will hold them in the palm of your hand. I pray that their experience will be filled with wonderment and extraordinary experiences. I pray that your light shines on them. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt

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