Habakkuk 3: 17-18 Though the cherry trees don’t bloom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to GOD. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my SAVIOR GOD. [The Message Translation]
Summary
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language was created by Eugene H. Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. According to Peterson, The Message attempts to use current language so that readers would have a better understanding of what the Bible means.
The word “cherry” does not appear in the original text of Habakkuk. In the original writing the writer refers to fig trees not blooming, no fruit on the vine and olive crops failing. See King James, New International, Living Bible, Revised Standard and other translations.
The message in all these translations, however, is that when bad times come, and one bad event seems to follow another, and still another, and yet another, (such as the Israelite trek into Babylonian captivity), we must remember that there is still a DELIVERER, my SAVIOR GOD. And, in remembering we rejoice, even in the midst of calamity and chaos. Our faith in THE SAVIOR means that our spirits can still turn “cartwheels” [Message Bible language] for the LORD, in spite of our circumstances. We can rejoice anyhow!
Cherry Facts
One California grower claims that cherry harvest season starts in early May for their California cherries, continues into June with the harvesting of Washington cherries, and ends in late August when the last cherry is picked on their higher elevated orchards.
In the Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. area, there are a number of family-friendly, fruit picking farms, according to Alexis Aschenbach: See, “5 Family-Friendly Farms Where You Can Pick-Your-Own in the D.C. Area. See, www.mommynearest.com/edition/washington-dc/article/5-family-friendly-farms-where-you-can-pick-your-own-in-the-d-c-area. Yelp lists a number of cherry picking places in Philadelphia and the surrounding area: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=cherry+picking&find_loc=Philadelphia%2C+PA. Yelp also allows you to find other cherry picking farms and places in various cities and states.
According to www.webmd.com, cherries are related to plums and more distantly to peaches and nectarines. There are two types of cherries----sweet and sour. Sour cherries are usually lower in calories, higher in vitamin C and beta-carotene and often used as pie fillings or in sauces. Sweet cherries are the ones usually eaten raw. Varieties of sweet cherries include:
- Bing: This variety is the best known sweet cherry. It is large, round, extra-sweet and has a purple-red flesh and a deep red skin that is close to black when fully ripe.
- Lambert: This variety is the second most popular sweet cherry. It is smaller than the Bing and is more heart shaped. It has a dark-red skin and a rich flavor.
- Rainer: This variety is sweet with a yellow or pinkish skin. It is milder and sweeter than the Bing. However, this variety is grown in limited quantities.
- Royal Ann: This variety has a blush-yellow skin and is often canned or made into maraschino cherries.
See, “Cherry, Fruit of the Month,”www.webmd.com/food-recipes/cherry-fruit-month#1.
In “Life is But a Bowl of Cherries,” Rachel Boot notes a number of health benefits from eating cherries, including:
- Cherries have been used since the 1950’s as a medical aid to treat gout suffers.
- Cherries are extremely high in anti-oxidants called anthocyanins, commonly found in brightly-colored fruits, which are so important as part of a healthy diet and play a variety of roles, from lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer, to promoting healthy skin and brain cells. There is even evidence to suggest that antioxidants may help prevent dementia and memory-loss.
- Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties, which work by inhibiting enzymes in the body that cause muscle pain; studies indicate that they can act as a painkiller to almost the same level of effectiveness as ibuprofen.
- Studies seem to show that sour cherries have the potential to limit the uptake of fat into the body, and control levels of cholesterol in the blood. However, watch out, as cherries are calorific! So this fat-limiting property is only effective if the rest of your diet is taken into consideration.
- Cherries contain high levels of vitamins A, C and E, and well as trace elements iron, magnesium and potassium. And since they are a significant source of fiber, they are great for digestion.
See, “Life is But a Bowl of Cherries,” by Rachael Boot, www.gnet.org/cherries.
As always, if you have a medical problem, you should consult your own physician before trying any experimental diets or remedies.
Rachel Boots cautions against eating cherry stones (i.e. pits) or leaves because they contain levels (although very small) of prussic acid. Other writers suggest also exercising caution giving pitted cherries to young children, especially if they are likely to swallow the pits.
THE PITS
Sometimes life is not a “bowl of cherries.” In fact, on some days life can feel like “the pits. On those days let us remember the prophet Habakkuk’s prayer to rejoice anyhow! When the feet are “dragging,” and the body weary, like Habakkuk remind your spirit to sing praises to GOD no matter what the circumstances. For as Habakkuk states: THE LORD GOD is my strength! (Verse 19) GOD is my salvation! (Verse 18) HE is my Joy! (Verse 18)
Rejoice anyhow! Praise GOD anyhow!
Remember, GOD IS and BE Blessed!
