The breeze that brushed across my skin gave promise of the rain to come. The sky would weep tears of life today, but for now time was given in plenty to pick blackberries.
Instinctively, I plucked a berry from the vine. A cluster of balls held tightly to a single core formed one perfectly, imperfect unit. There were a dozen hazy reflections of my silhouette on their dark skins. All offering a glimpse of my soul.
I learned the secret of enough.
Enough is the mother that births contentment.
I had two one-quart baskets with me today. Sufficient for what I have need of. There was a time not so long ago that I would have brought multiple large bowls with me.
I now stroll to the pace of plenty. I no longer have to force myself into the secret places of the briers and glean all that is hidden. Only to labor in storing berries that have no purpose.
I no longer have an urgency to heap unto myself all that I can.
Today I was able to place a berry in my mouth and allow my tongue the moments needed to search out the valleys that the swollen spheres had created. How the tender flesh of the berry gave way quickly under gentle pressure and offered the sweet flavor that is uniquely its own.
It was in being present that I noticed berries expanding with life so much so that my soft touch caused them to spill their crimson stains upon my hand.
I walked away from the berry patch brimming with peace…and blackberries – enough.
In grace and peace,
Sharon Rose