Life Through the Lens: Ivan’s watermelon has a reason for being, and so do you

This post was contributed by Kevin Schrapel, and is the author’s personal opinion.

“Wow – that was delicious!”

Sweet and watery, like a waterfall of sugary dew.

The shade of red that only God could invent, and a crispness that crackled as I bit into it.

The tastebud-enhancing climax to a Sunday lunch.

Thanks, Ivan.

Half a watermelon had been delivered by a neighbour, an ex-farmer who still grows watermelons in a large open area and shares them with his neighbours.

Tended with love and care and surrounded by its hard rind, the flesh within had been kept safe from pests and matured into what God had planned it to be: sweet and pleasing.

That rind, skin, is a lot like the love of God: it surrounds us.

You may not want to recognise it, but I believe what is written in his word.

A king who had a genuine friendship with the God of the Bible wrote, in Psalm 139:5-7:

“You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me, and you have placed your hand gently on my shoulder. It is the most fantastic feeling to know how deeply you know me, inside and out; the realisation of it is so great that I cannot comprehend it. Can I go anywhere apart from your spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape your watchful presence?”

King David said that God’s amazing love, care, and protection are all around you.

You don’t have to feel anxious or afraid.

When someone makes fun of you, trust God is there, saying, “What that person says is irrelevant; to me, you are precious”.

God and his love are much stronger and surround you completely.

His plan is that your life should not be turned to a pulp by worry and fear.

When anxious for what life might be throwing at you, remember his promises to protect you.

Remember that the firm skin of the watermelon kept the soft inside from being turned to pulp in a thunderstorm.

God doesn’t surround us with his love solely for our personal benefit.

The melon’s being was to bring pleasure and nourishment.

If the melon had just laid in the garden, it would have eventually turned rotten and been of no use to anyone.

God has a reason for our being.

He plans that we will bring enjoyment, nourishment and growth to the lives of those we daily touch: a kind word of encouragement, a friendly smile, and sharing a story of God’s love in your life.

There are many ways can help another to feel the all-encompassing love and care we all need to experience from time to time.

Don’t be afraid to talk to God about these things.

God bless.

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