A Blessing to Be Fruitful

As God blessed the man and woman

Whom He had created in His own image,

I bless you this New Year to

“Be fruitful.”

Not mere accomplishment.

Not raw ambition fulfilled.

Not checklists completed.

Be fruitful!

Bear fruit that you don’t manufacture

Any more than the Golden Delicious formed itself

On the branch of the apple tree.

Be fruitful!

By the Spirit Who indwells you

Bear the fruit of love, joy,

Peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

Gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

May you bear sweet fruit, savory to the taste,

Nourishing for life, and full of seed

To be sown all over again!