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For the Love of Papaya

Papaya is a healthy tropical fruit originally from Central America and Southern Mexico but is now grown in many other parts of the world including our beloved country Kenya. It contains an enzyme called papain that breaks down tough protein chains found in meat. For this reason, it has been used as a meat tenderizer for years. It is also high in fiber and water content both which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and healthy digestive tract. Other benefits include lowering cholesterol, aiding weight loss, boosting immunity just to mention but a few.

To say that papaya is the best thing that happened to me after sliced bread is an understatement. The love for this fruit has seen me grow several trees. A sense of accomplishment swept over me as I pondered on the saying that goes "When eating a fruit, think of the person that planted the tree." I gave myself a pat on my back with a huge grin that lit up my face instantly.

One hot afternoon as I sat by the kitchen door chowing down a huge bowl of this slightly chilled cubed delicacy of mine, I couldn't help but notice the tree from which I plucked the fruit. It had two branches all full of fruits. One of the branches was bent. It must had sustained setback inform of a bruise a while back and was almost broken.

To say that life is devoid of setbacks is a pie in the sky. Life at times throws stuff at us that can make one hopeless. From loss of loved ones, unemployment, health issues, financial challenges, injustices... The list is endless. My girl Hadassa calls these moments 'parenthesis moments'. She emphasized on trusting God in the parenthesis. (Did I mention that she loves papayas too?)

What am I trying to say?
When circumstances surrounding you make no sense, be resilient, hope and trust in God.
When your life doesn't turn out as expected, be resilient, hope and trust in God.
When situations seem hopeles, be resilient, hope and trust in God.
When your life seems to be falling apart, be resilient, hope and trust in God.

There are lessons all around us. It's 'parenthesis moment' did not stop it from bearing fruits that I now enjoy. Hope in the Lord will give us renewed strength that will make us mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. This will eventually enable us live a purpose driven life and bear fruits in the process, fulfilling God given purposes here on earth.

Regardless of our circumstances today, life is also a bowl of cherries. We will only see that when we begin counting our blessings and naming them one by one literally and be deliberate in cultivating a thankful and positive attitude.

Irene