During a recent meal with a dear friend, this profound question was posed to me: “Beth, what fruits are you bearing these days in retirement?” WOW…what a way to start a powerful conversation!
My voice (literally and figuratively) has been somewhat silent these past months as I ponder, adjust, and adapt to new pathways for the future. Pouring through multiple bins of family memorabilia (including unseen pictures, writings, and journals), has consumed much of my time. Various volunteer opportunities and travel experiences have brought great JOY to my days as well. Re-consumption of favorite books, movies, music, and more have pushed the nostalgic buttons into therapeutic overdrive to say the least! But ‘fruits?’ Then it dawned on me as I crunched on my salad…”the ‘fruits’ of the spirit…” Ahhh…
This particular cross-stitch piece was one of the first I did years ago under the watchful eye of my mom. She started the project about the time I was carrying my youngest daughter; I finished it three years later. 🙂 For years the piece hung in a quiet corner of our home with little emphasis; it now resides in our kitchen as a daily reminder to bear fruit in the best possible ways. These nine succulent “fruits” allow us to grow, nurture, and serve others from the heart and soul. In these uncertain political and social times, these “fruits” are the important ones we should carefully garden each day…
So, the big question today: Are you bearing fruit?
Van Am Gram 
Ladies…I wish I had the pattern for the piece, but unfortunately do not. It was likely a cross-stitched pattern my mom secured or created with help from a little shop in Dallas, Texas called “Needle In A Haystack.” Thanks for your kind words and inquiry. bva
Hello. I, too, would love to have a copy of the Fruit of the Spirit Cross stitch pattern. Would you please share a copy with me? Thank you.
Where can I find the pattern for this crossstitch?
Would you still have a copy of the pattern that I could get a copy of?