“If you like to talk to tomatoes

If a squash can make you smile

If you like to waltz with potatoes

Up and down the produce aisle….”

If a squash CAN’T make you smile, you really need to re-evaluate your perspective, and as many of you know, I was Larry the Cucumber from VeggieTales at Vacation Bible School for many years.  And my Dad had a starring role as Bob the Tomato…you could tell because he wore a red shirt with Bob’s face on it.  And there are still plenty of kids who grew up in the early 2000s who still refer to my Dad as “Dirk-Bob.” Although controversy persists on whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable, what’s undebatable is that many timeless Biblical truths were purveyed by this wonderful, magical, half-man, half-tomato. 

And I read an interesting article about tomatoes this morning.  The natural ripening process for immature green tomatoes is achieved by the endogenous production of ethylene, which acts as a hormonal signal for the tomato to begin turning red from the inside out.  When the tomatoes are allowed to ripen while attached to the vine, they tend to retain the natural combination of organic compounds, which results in enhanced flavor. 

However, it’s easier to pick tomatoes while unripe and subsequently mass distribute them before allowing the ripening to occur in artificial ethylene rooms.  They still look pretty good, and it’s easier to ensure that grocery stores are continually stocked with these tomatoes.  BUT, they tend to be rather mediocre and insipid compared to their vine-ripened counterparts.  Still, if people haven’t had the “good stuff,” they’ll never know what they’re missing out on! 

And this applies to many aspects of life.  Pharmaceutical companies think that academic mercenaries can become Lipid Specialists in a 6-week crash course of training.  Cross Country runners might think that a couple of good workouts will lead to sustained excellence in the world of distance running.  People pay a few bucks to take a weekend course and pass an open-book test…and then expect to be Competent Counselors or Preeminent Personal Trainers.  And people believe that because they prayed once or got baptized that they are fully ripe when it comes to sanctification. Easy-peasy!

If you’re artificially ripening unattached from the true Vine, eventually your true colors will show.  Your lack of flavor will eventually lead you straight to the compost bin.  There’s no substitute for time, commitment, and consistency when it comes to excellence😊

John 15:5