They got out their brushes and painted the pots. Then they planted a cherry tomato plant in each pot and measured its starting height. Each child promised to take care of their plant with daily TLC.
I promised to pay the going market rate for their tomatoes.
Here are the gardeners on planting day.
The kids kept their promises. They monitored; they watered; they nurtured.
There were concerns that the plants weren't growing as quickly as expected. There were worries that one child's plant was taller than the others. Sometimes water fights broke out. :-)
But they kept on monitoring, watering and nurturing.
Somehow, all those uncertainties disappeared as the green globes began emerging.
We bought a basket of organic cherry tomatoes from Trader Joes. Jonathan calculated that the market price was 6.8 cents per tomato. I told the kids that Mom would round it up to ten cents each. They were giddy with anticipation of all the loot they'd be earning.
Then the jubilant day arrived. I was at the kitchen sink when I heard, "Mom! Our tomatoes are ready!" I dried my hands and went to investigate.
Sure enough, a few red jewels hung in place.
The kids sported grins as though their offerings had won blue ribbons at the county fair.
I went to get my wallet while they quickly set up their "tomato store." I was an enthusiastic customer, oohing and aahing over the beautiful produce. Organic, nonetheless!
It's a good thing I brought lots of coins.
I bought every single one.
..."He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:17
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