The ivy on the wall

Only a few weeks ago the ivy plants on the walls of the lane were buzzing with insects, all feeding gratefully on the pollen in the flowers which form in late autumn.  Now the flowers have gone and the fruits are beginning to form.  Pinkish-red at the moment, they will go on ripening through the coming months until they are black and shiny, the last available sustenance of late winter, perfect for blackbirds, blackcaps and thrushes – both native and overwintering visitors.  Gram for gram, ivy berries contain almost as many calories as a Mars bar, which certainly makes them an important food source for the birds.  Not only that, but as the plant is evergreen it provides shelter for hibernating insects and for nesting birds.  

Such a useful plant all the year round, so beneficial in so many ways, but it is often unnoticed and ignored by passers-by and disliked by gardeners!

The Lord Jesus ‘went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38) even though He was hated by the world.  May we follow in His footsteps, seeking to be faithful and bearing fruit for Him in the place where He has put us.  No one else might notice, but He will know, and that is reward enough.

Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work…  (Colossians 1:10)

that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  (Philemon 6)

Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I go,

My daily labour to pursue,

Thee, only Thee, resolved to know

In all I think, or speak, or do.

 

The task Thy wisdom hath assigned

O let me cheerfully fulfil,

In all my works Thy presence find,

And prove Thy good and perfect will.

 

Thee may I set at my right hand,

Whose eyes my inmost substance see,

And labour on at Thy command,

And offer all my works to Thee.

 

Give me to bear Thy easy yoke,

And every moment watch and pray,

And still to things eternal look,

And hasten to Thy glorious day;

 

For Thee delightfully employ

Whate’er Thy bounteous grace hath given,

And run my course with even joy,

And closely walk with Thee to heaven.

                             -Charles Wesley