Of Rambutons and Japanese Orchids....

We have just returned from a very rainy two week stay in Hawaii. Needless to say, there will be many posts to come regarding the Isles of Aloha, but for now, I feel the need to show you two of my favorite things from the islands that never cease to amaze me. This is a rambuton. Well, a cluster of rambutons. You may be asking yourself, as did I, "What in the world is a rambuton?" Precious faithful reader, let me give you the joy of such knowledge. A rambuton is quite possibly the world's best fruit. In my 32 years, I have never experienced such a fruit until this most recent trip to Hawaii. I am not sure why I've not been graced with such sweetness until now, but, for whatever reason, it is so.

When you look at a rambuton, it looks like nothing you want to eat - prickly, red, hairy... and if it weren't for some brave person, we might never know the sweetness that lies within. It's a leap of faith to eat - and it reminds me to never judge a book by it's cover.

They are about the size of a small kiwi... break open the rubbery, hairy exterior, and what lies beneath is truly a delicious, juicy, ball of wonder with a small seed inside. I highly recommend you try one if you ever have the opportunity.... but you'll have to fight me for any that ever make it in my house. I'm still working on trying to import them... :) This is a Japanese Orchid from, none other than, a Japanese Orchid tree. There are several of these trees in full bloom outside of my parent's house in Hawaii. They simply scream, "I have a Creator... and He is Worthy." Imagine, if you will, a tree of smallish size bursting with purple color, only to discover, upon closer investigation, that each blossom is not just a bloom, but a purple orchid - each perfect in detail. It's an amazing moment when you actually take in what you are looking at. I couldn't help but notice that each bloom seemingly grows straight up, with it's face pointing to the pacific sun. If it had a voice, it's song would be, "I grow, I bloom, I am what I am for You alone - do you see me here? Blooming my heart out for your approval. If no one ever sees me, or notices, I don't care - I'm here to make You happy. Do you see Your amazing creation all around me? We are all growing in a chorus of harmony in effort to praise You. Great are You, my Creator. As long as I bloom, it's all for You." (At least that's what I imagine they would say.) What a lesson.

So, for tonight, I'm feeling pensive about fruit and flowers. Is it because I've just returned from the place that has my heart more than any other, or is it that I'm jet lagged and sleepless, or is it just the Lord pulling on my heart and saying... "I'm in it all."