i couldn’t help but capture the golden kernels, ripened to sugary sweetness by the sun, then turned hard and finally putrid.  it went uneaten.  no one will enjoy the pop of each morsel, and the fruit of the stalk will go to waste.  this is the fruit of bitterness.

 

 

so it seems it will be with my heart, if i allow bitterness to grow up inside.  it will result in a waste of the beautiful fruit that could bloom if love reigned.  and it will grow to hurt those around me and prevent their gifts from being shared, as well.

“make every effort to live in peace with everyone and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.  see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”  -hebrews 12:14-15, NIV