Delayed Fruit

Inside: Our peach tree won’t be producing fruit this summer. Some years are like that. . . Sometimes life happens that way, too.

We won’t get any fruit from our peach tree this year. After Mike gave it a severe pruning–which it needed, I hasten to add–there weren’t many peaches left. Leaf curl had gotten at the fruit last year, but after having a dry summer and fall, I thought we’d beaten it. Now the gnarled, misshapen leaves are back, and the few peaches we have are shriveled and falling off. We’ll have to work on the health of the tree this summer, spraying the leaves and around the base of the tree as well as the adjacent apple trees which are showing signs of leaf curl. No fruit on them, either.

Two years ago you wouldn’t have recognized the same tree. My outdoor table was filled with peaches for weeks, and I could barely keep up with them. I canned peach preserves, peach salsa, peach chutney. I froze peaches for shakes and desserts. I gave peaches away and had my sister-in-law picking some, too. We ate them fresh, juice dripping from our chins. We had way more than we needed.

But that was two years ago. . . This year there will be no harvest.

Life seems a lot like our peach tree these days. Disappointments and setbacks. Difficult people. Expectations unmet. Few, if any, results. Moments of wanting to quit. Frustration when it seems nearly everyone else is getting ahead but us. Wondering if we’re in the right place or if we somehow heard wrong and have wandered off course. Seeking, but finding no direction. Keeping our heads above water in a sea of doubt.

Weathering the Rough Patches

What it comes down to is not merely surviving but thriving. To do that it takes renewing my mind. Rebooting. Swapping a bad attitude for a hopeful one. Though it is difficult at times, here is my plan.

Redirect my Focus

Instead of reviewing the setbacks, turning them over and over in my mind like a rock in a tumbler, I’m focusing on other things. Doing my work, without worrying about the results. Forgiving people (work in progress) for no other reason than that I am forgiven. Not dwelling on bothersome details of what was said or hidden meanings that might or might not have been intended. Remembering what has been promised to me–namely that the One who has charted my path has done so for my good and not harm, to give me hope and a future.

Pursue Joy

I’m concentrating on what brings me joy right now. The challenge of taking photos for my photography class. Coming up with new ideas for posts and writing them. Gardening. Spending time with family and friends. For Mike it’s hitting the bike path early in the morning on the weekends. Doing what brings me joy can get my mind off of what’s not happening in my life right now to delighting in the simple everyday blessings right in front of me.

Resist Comparing

Comparing is an unhealthy activity. Taking a look at what others have is unproductive and often brings with it resentment, jealousy, unrealistic expectations, or self-critical thinking. I remind myself I’m on a journey, and sometimes the road is rocky and uphill, but I’ll get there and be stronger for it. And maybe develop a few muscles in the process.

Be Thankful

Being grateful can change my whole demeanor. Suddenly my narrow focus has enlarged to see the blessings that are at arm’s length, that I’ve been taking for granted. The glass is half full, not half empty. I have so much to be thankful for, and writing them down and spending time taking inventory of the good things in life can change my perspective quicker than anything else.

So how does that relate to my peach tree? I’ve got a growing, live peach tree in my backyard.

And next year I hope to see fruit.

How do you deal with setbacks? Tell us about it in the comments.

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