Tree of 40 Fruits

You give glory to my Father when you produce a lot of fruit, and therefore show that you are my disciples.
-John 15:8

I had an interesting conversation with my father-in-law about grafting various fruit branches onto the same tree early this week. We both wondered aloud about what limits existed to this process. I understand that you might be able to graft two varieties of apples onto the same tree, but could you really add a cherry branch onto that? My gut says no. 

And then yesterday I randomly learned about Sam Van Aken, an art professor from Syracuse who has cultivated one tree.... that has 40 different types of fruit on it! I'm not joking. He cultivated a tree that produces apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, almonds, cherries, and more. We shall call him "the fruit whisperer."

The Fruit Whisperer said that it takes nearly a decade for each tree. He originally intended it be an art piece, but now enjoys all the delicious fruit as well. He grows each branch in its own tree, designs exactly which branches will hold which species, and carefully grafts branches into his central trunk as the years pass. Van Aken wanted people to notice the beauty of different blossoms blooming at different times and different colors. He planted them where people would wander upon them, pause in the middle of their normal days, and be disrupted by the unexpected sight. He wanted people to ask why, and be delighted. And in the summer, he wanted people to see that what they thought was a peach tree was also producing plums. And say, "huh!"


In the New Testament, one of the primary metaphors for becoming like Jesus is "producing fruit." Fruit of a life in Jesus is shown by new characteristics emerging in our life as we experience more of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians, Paul gives a list of what he calls the "fruit" of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control. That's not the only list. Conviction, humility, compassion, generosity, a listening ear-- there are many varieties of fruit of a life with Jesus. 

God's work in us is to keep cultivating our lives with new fruit, gently and patiently. It will take time. We may naturally produce one or two types. But a big way that God works through us is when we surprise the world with unexpected new varieties emerging.

A man who is willing to be vulnerable with other guys? That's unexpected and disruptive. An exhausted parent who continues to be patient with a rambunctious kid? Beautiful fruit. Someone who has experienced deep loss but lives with joy? A person who has clear convictions and can lovingly listen and dialogue with people who disagree? What sort of uniquely cultivated life are we looking at?

Our invitation from Jesus is simply to remain rooted and postured to receive the sunlight God provides. As we do so, Jesus will keep cultivating our souls to bring new fruit, year by year. Let us not assume that just because we are naturally one thing (good at patience) and not another (lacking generosity) that this is the way that we will always be. I've found that even in discipleship, we are quick to assume that we won't actually be changed in surprising ways. Remember, it's the things that we don't naturally produce that can impact the world around us the most. Nobody is shocked to find an apple tree in the orchard. But when there are pears hanging there too, people will notice that something special is going on with that tree... something "super" natural. 

God's fruit in our lives will lead to joy and vibrancy. But we'll also be able to share with others the supernatural ways that Jesus is cultivating our own souls over time. Our little tree will be a witness to the Kingdom of God. 

Don't be afraid of your own transformation, friends. It's hard. But open yourself to it. There are surprising branches to be grafted into your life. And fresh fruit will emerge. Your job is simply to remain open and available, because you have an expert Fruit Whisperer delighted to be cultivating your life each day. 

Jesus, keep me open to the surprising transformation you are working to bring into and out of my life. 

Peace,
Keith

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