Surely peach blossoms are blooming somewhere. Can you imagine how gorgeous the trees look and how luscious they smell, even if it is still cold and brown here?

There were peach trees in Biblical times, and some believe that the fruit in the Garden of Eden may have been a peach, as it is never identified in Genesis. The Tree of Knowledge is probably associated with apples because the Latin word for apple is “malum,” and the word for evil is the same. We still associate the forbidden tree with apples, probably because we all have seen so many artists’ depictions of the Garden of Eden. But, perhaps, it was a peach tree that God told Adam and Eve not to disturb.

Peach trees are mentioned in Chinese writings back to the 10th century B.C. The Persians brought peaches from China to the Roman Empire, and eventually peaches found their way around the world.

Peaches grow well, but in a limited range, as they need a chilling season, but not too cold. They also require continuous warm temperatures after flowering. If the blooms freeze, there will be no fruit for that season. They should be located in full sun and have good airflow around them. The harvest from each tree lasts only about a week.

Shouldn’t our Christian walk be like a peach? Sweet, contained, yet overflowing with juice, without blemish. Our fruit should be shared with our families, communities and the world, but we may not produce if we are too far outside of our ideal growth climate.

If we venture too far into “the cold” or “hot, dry sun,” there will be consequences, and we will not bear fruit for a season. We must stay in the full sun of God’s love and allow Him to breathe around and through us. The time of harvest is short; we must quickly do the harvesting when the time is right.

Sometimes Hallmark cards put it perfectly. Like this one: “Who in their life hasn’t planted a peach pit just hoping that somehow a seedling would grow? And then they move on to some other adventure, and if it comes up — well, they don’t even know.”

That’s one way of picturing your life. You’ve planted ideas and dreams unaware. You’ve noticed somebody whose heart needs attention and planted a positive feeling in there. It’s part of your nature.

You may not remember the kind and encouraging things that you’ve done. But, everywhere, “peach pits” are coming up like crazy, and people are blooming.

May you be a peach, planting many pits in God’s kingdom!