Faithfulness on Maple Lane, Clara's story - a fruits of the spirit tale

 The Back Porch and the Cherry Apple Pie

A Cozy Devotional on Choosing the Harder Path of Faithfulness

It was one of those soft spring mornings where the sun took its time rising, warming the dew off the wild violets by the fence. Clara stood barefoot on her back porch, a chipped mug of coffee in one hand and a prayer forming slowly in the quiet.

Inside, the aroma of baked apples, cherries and cinnamon drifted from her kitchen. She’d made the pie the old-fashioned way—sliced thin, dotted with butter, crust pinched with care. But her heart was a little sour underneath the sweetness. The pie was for her sister, Lydia, who hadn’t spoken to her in over a year. Not since the argument. Not since those sharp words and colder silences had settled like frost between them.

It would've been easier to leave it alone. To stay mad. To let the distance remain.

But last night, Clara had read the story of the crucifixion again—the part where Jesus says, “Father, forgive them…” and her chest ached. Not out of guilt, but out of love. If Jesus could choose forgiveness in the agony of a cross, maybe she could choose it over coffee and pie.

She sighed. The easier road would've meant comfort. The faithful one meant humility.

So she wrapped the pie in a soft towel, scribbled a note—*“Still sisters. Still love you.”—*and walked down the gravel path to Lydia’s house, just four doors away but feeling like miles. Her heart beat loud. Her pride whispered, "Turn back."

But she kept going.

Because the cross was never easy.
But it was always faithful.
And sometimes, a hot pie and a brave step forward becomes holy ground.

---

Reflection Prompt:

• What “cherry apple pie” is God asking you to carry today—what act of humility, reconciliation, or courage?

• Can you remember a time when you chose the harder but more faithful path? How did God meet you there?