We live in a beautiful area called East Tennessee. Every season of the year, the mountains and lake’s show off God’s creation. Some sites are familiar to other regions while others are specific to this area. One such display is the prickly pear cactus. Tennessee Aquarium website reports it as the only native cactus in Tennessee.

These succulent fans out flat green pads that appear as a leaf, but they are branches. Inside these branches are divisions of water reservoir. Despite drought, its life source is always available. Outside the pads have distinct spines with minute sharp edged hairs called glochid’s that serve to protect.

In May and June, blooms pop open with yellow, red or purple flowers. The flower produces a fruit inside called tuna that’s edible. The pads can be prepared and cooked as well. A resourceful individual can make prickly pear jams, jellies, and syrups. There is a long list of health benefits with just a little research.

For the prickly pear, when things are right on the outside and the inside, a bloom develops for 24 hours then it is gone. Its moment of beauty fades away leaving pads and barbs on guard for protection.

So, what does this have to do with First Love on Main community care clinic? Very little really. However, these prickly pear facts might give us a parallel view of some relationships in our lives.

Prickly people surround us. Close interaction to their pads can prove to be a hurtful experience leaving great pain. First thought, stay away! The relationship seems to offer no beauty only thorns.

It’s possible this prickly person lacks the reservoir of living water that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. So, what can we do about that?

Jesus said in the Holy Bible, Luke 6:32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to
you? Even sinners love those who love them.”

It’s easy to love people that love us back. The bigger person attempts to endure the thorns. Not because they love pain but because they love Jesus. If something can be done to help that prickly person, lend a hand. Stay on the lookout!! That living water reservoir is available to all. Just like the cactus, when things are right on the inside the outside beauty will show off a beautiful color.

Think abouts: Who is the prickly person in your life that lacks a reservoir of living water?

Sources:

• The Holy Bible
• TNaqua.org
• Piedmontmastergardeners.org
• www.mayoclinic.org

Written by: Vonda Jennings RN, BSN
FLOM Volunteer