Blueberry Blessings

When Blueberry Opening Day arrived, Lilia Grundy was reminded of the blessings for those who come prepared, remain patient, and rejoice in the moment.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm 

I could sense the warm glow simulating the sunrise, permeating from my alarm clock.  I knew it was time to get up, but I was tired! I second guessed my plan to get up early so that my daughters and I could be the first to arrive at the Majestic Blueberry Farm’s Opening Day.  

Why? I muttered to myself as I grudgingly proceeded to get out of bed. And then a thought popped into my head: The first are ready and prepared.  

This notion reminded me of the parable where the young ladies who came prepared were ready to meet the Bridegroom, while the others who weren’t ready fell behind.  

“The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.” (Matthew 25:8-10) 

Getting up earlier and earlier has been an ongoing goal (and challenge of mine), but I tried to channel the resilience of the “wise ones” as I told myself there are blessings for those that are prepared.  

Alas, I was able to collect myself and rally us girls into the car to hit the road.  

Violet Turns Violet 

Sure enough, we were among the first to arrive at the blueberry farm. We were greeted by kind high school students who sweetly guided us to the front rows for prime picking. Wow! Lovely ”biggies” as my daughters called them — big blueberries all awaiting to be picked.  

I rushed to the bushes and in my hurry, I began to roll off all the blueberries into my bucket, smashing many of the biggies into my hand.  

I remembered the Willy Wonka movie scene where Violet snatches gum out of the candy machine despite Wonka’s warning that it wasn’t ready yet, “I don’t care!” Violet screams back.  

And what happens? Violet turns Violet! The naughty girl coincidentally turns into a gigantic blueberry. 

Goodness, I pondered. I wonder how many times God has had to see me in my “Violet state” of rushing through life instead of embracing patience.  

I took a deep breath and began to slow my pace to focus on the moment by giving thanks.  

Berry Bliss 

With the assistance of my little helpers (my twins), we were soon able to collect over sixty pounds of blueberries in less than an hour’s time — an amazing bounty. God is so good. 

My learning moments this day reinforced the need to enjoy the present moment, because there are so many blessings that slip by when I don’t pay attention: the sunrise, my daughters’ bright smiles, the brisk chill of the morning air, the wonderous blueberry bushes producing endless fruit. 

I did end up taking it all in and basking in the glory of the day; I was in berry bliss reaping blueberry blessings.  

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. (Psalm 118:24) 

Have you enjoyed a recent moment of bliss? Or have you caught yourself in a “Violet state?” If so, what can we do to prompt ourselves to slow down and enjoy the present moment? Please share with us now! 

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Copyright 2025 Lilia Grundy
Images: copyright 2025 Lilia Grundy, all rights reserved.