“And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying…I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:8,13

I am not one to over spiritualize every natural occurrence in life. I think there is a danger in always looking for a “sign” from God. On the other hand, God does speak to us through the natural phenomena of His creation. After the huge flood that decimated the earth, God placed a rainbow in the sky as a symbol of hope for the future. Even today, thousands of years later, our hearts are lifted in hope at the sight of a rainbow spanning the skies.

A couple of days ago, God gave me a “symbol of hope” in the form of a pineapple plant growing in my patio garden. That pineapple plant has been the object of many conversations, jokes, and illustrations since the day 6 years ago when Malcom lobbed off the top of a pineapple and stuck it in some potted dirt. We read somewhere that it takes about 3 years for a pineapple plant to mature and produce fruit. So day after day, year after year we faithfully tended that plant. In the third year, no fruit, just beautiful leaves. In the fourth year, still no fruit. By now this plant has become the perfect example of how “not” to live the Christian life. God wants us to bear fruit! It was beautiful, but useless.

After Malcom went home to be with the Lord last year and I returned to Taiwan, I seriously contemplated throwing away that plant who had now survived 5 years without producing fruit. It seemed to mock me saying “I’m still here but I’m no use!” Actually, it was the logistics of how to easily dispose of such a huge plant that caused me to procrastinate and allow it to continue growing on my balcony patio.

Ah, but now, that plant has become a symbol of hope to me! On Chinese New Year’s Eve, as I was watering the foliage I detected something a bit different with that plant. Could it be true? Yes! Something besides leaves is beginning to emerge from its center! Six years after it was planted, God says “It’s time!” and there is a bloom.

My pineapple plant is just doing what it is supposed to do and it brings me pleasure. I see hope for the future. I’m glad I didn’t give up and toss it out last fall. It’s a good lesson that can be applied to many areas of my life and ministry. How many other “pineapple plants” are there that just need tending and time for God to work?!