Christian Living

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The Vegetable Stand
by Carolyn M. Kenney

As the workday draws to a close, I shut down my computer, put away some papers and walk outside to my car. The mad dash of vehicles down the long driveway is similar to the Indy 500.

Each day on my way home, I see Joe, a parishioner at my church, as he carefully walks along the sidewalk near his home. Joe now uses a cane to steady himself due to his advancing age. The sun twinkles through the trees; Joe carefully shuffles down the street. He has all the time in the world - now that his farm stand has closed.

For as long as I can remember, Joe sold fruits and vegetables to local residents. His stand was homemade using various pieces of wood from his yard. Early each morning, before anyone was awake, Joe would put a vast arrangement of fruits and vegetables outside on the stand. Joe grew tomatoes, zucchini, squash, green beans and corn. Many people would stop at the stand hoping to buy a fresh tomato or some ripe corn for supper. Many times there would be nothing left, for people seemed to know as soon as Joe set up the fruits and vegetables each day. The stand was on the honor system with a scale to weigh each individual item along with a small wooden box for its cost. For years, life went on this way for the people of our town.

Unfortunately, advancing age has forced Joe to discontinue the vegetable stand. He earnestly desires to stay fit and knows that walking is good for his heart. Therefore, each day Joe walks up and down the street near his home. He always loved being outside and realizes that walking is one way to stay close to nature. This particular day, I see Joe as he stops to admire the beauty around him. He looks deep into the woods; it seems he is looking into another time and place. We should be more like this thoughtful, caring individual - never stop loving life!

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