disguise

.


apple blossom time
fragrant, delicate, lovely
hiding bitter fruit


.




Flowering crab trees are a highlight of my Spring; they remind me of classic Asian art, just in real life.

Bethel Seminary's campus is full of big, old crab trees, which this weekend left a blanket of blossoms on the lawn.



But while gorgeous and sweet-smelling in Spring.. they produce only little sour apples in Fall. And isn't that like some of us, too? We go through a season of promise and delight, but the end result is pretty useless (unless you add a boatload of sugar, and try for jelly!) ;)



No wonder Jesus said, of trees and people: "by their fruit you shall know them." Doesn't really matter how pretty the blossoms are.. unless that's all you see them as being good for: a temporary treat for the senses. I think I've learned to simply enjoy what delight is offered, when it's offered.. with crab trees, at least.



With people... somehow I still expect the fruit to match the blossoms.