What I learned from Quince

Am I the only one who doesn’t know what a quince is? Up until a short time ago, my knowledge of quince was limited to the Owl and the Pussycat.

What a surprise to discover we’ve had a quince growing in our BC digs next to Rick’s shed. For years, due to its poor condition, we thought it was a junk bush. Well over six feet and with deep roots, we decided not to pull it out with the truck (which we have done:)

However in last two years with some good dirt and water surrounding, the mystery bush burst with vibrant coral flowers in the spring and a few little yellow apple-like fruit late summer.

Well, it can’t be an apple tree. That fruit looked weird. Wasn’t into trying the fruit. You never know.

A simple online search solved the mystery.

Who would have thought a flowering quince was flourishing next to Rick’s birthing bench, old chairs and a lawnmower. And to think we almost got rid of what became a thing of beauty.

I’ve learned from that quince.

Like that flowering quince bush, a wellspring of unique creativity in us yearns for expression.

What appears on the outside is not always the accurate reflection of what’s inside.

I’ve also discovered anxious, fearful thoughts hinder creative expression. Have you ever tried to be creative when you’re stressed out? Or for that matter, try to focus on anything with a stressed and anxious mind. Doesn’t work well.

It’s about digging deep, tapping into God’s roots, and giving grace nutrients to ourselves and others, cultivating hope in times that seem hopeless. Shreds of hope always exist even in the darkest of situations. Like water, air and food, hope is essential.

Our old friend Job said:
Indeed there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down and still sprouting again,
and its tender shoots don’t fail,
If its roots age in the ground, and its stump dies in the dust,
at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant.
(Job 14:7-9)