The dictionary describes a scar as a “blemish from previous injury or illness.” Most people possess at least one scar on their body (childhood boo boo, teenage sports, grownup surgery, etc.) Many also carry invisible wounds on the heart. Well, this holiday season Harry & David® pears are joining the ranks of the scarred and still valuable.
Blemishes Called Wind Scars
About a week ago I received a generous Christmas gift from dear friends—two boxes of delightful Harry & David pears. This premier food and gift company sure knows how to grow the perfect succulent pears. One of my favorite ways to enjoy pears is to combine the pear slices with goat cheese and toasted/candied pecans. Yummmmmmy!
Among all the carefully protected pears, I found the following note tucked in the shipping boxes.
Wind-Scarred Pears
Noticing unique markings on your Royal Riveria® Pears? These blemishes are
called wind scars and are the result of high winds whipping tree branches and
causing abrasions to the skin of our delicate pears. Sadly, these same winds
contributed to the spread of devastating fires in our Southern Oregon
community—destroying homes and displacing countless people.
We often pride ourselves in the beauty of our Royal Riveria® Pears, and this harvest is no
exception, if only in a different way. These scars are a reminder of what our community
has been through and how we’ve rallied to support one another. The untouched,
juicy, delicious interior of the pear demonstrates—it’s what’s inside that counts.
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
I smile at that those last few words from Harry & David. It’s what’s inside that counts. (That’s not just wise motherly advice.) Winds may have thrashed and dashed against the tender Oregon pears this year, but the delicate fruit endured. There is more to their beauty than a few wind scars. The same is true of us.
Our scars can actually enhance our beauty inside and out. Scars can make us more real to others and more approachable. Scars can keep us humble and grateful knowing that none of us will reach full perfection this side of heaven.
Feeling a bit wind-scarred these days? I hear you. I’m bending with you against those winds. So just remember, as we wrap up this year with our 2020 nick marks, each one of our wind-scarred moments shows our beauty “in a different way.” Well said, Harry & David. And thank you for still delivering much joy to the taste buds this year.
Great word picture for us, Beth!! Glad you love the pears!!
Thank you, sweet Helen. The pears were as delicious as ever and came with an invaluable teaching tool this year. 🙂
Beth, I sure have scars from 2020! I would guess that most of us do. It’s life on planet earth–a fallen world. But whether or not you do, you’re clearly still just as sweet! 😀
Yes, Janie, you have notable scars from 2020, yet I know in time, they will be reminders of God’s faithfulness and the beauty of your resilience.
Great story Beth. Thank you for reminding us of how God can take our blemishes and us them to help others. Thanks for always sharing great nuggets of truth. You’re the best!
Thank you so much, Daria. I too am grateful that God uses our blemishes for good and for creating beauty.
I once heard the phrase, “Scars are life’s tattoos.” And I am one tatted woman!
(by the way, Harry and David is headquartered in Tom’s old stompin’ grounds)
Lisa, I love that scars as tattoos quote. You are so fashionable with your tats and mainly a joy to the Lord for your wearing your scars well. South Oregon, Tom’s homeland, is fabulous country. Almost as wonderful as beautiful Nebraska. 🙂
Yet another beautiful analogy. Thanks for Always giving us things to reflect on, we need it????????
Petey, I just had to share this one on the wind scarring. I love to reflect on everyday life lessons and pass them on to others. Can you tell?
What great marketing from Harry & David…and what great insight from you to turn it in to an appropriate, inspiring message as we close out this crazy year! Thanks, Beth.
Thank you, Nancy. I too applaud Harry & David for telling the real-life story behind their less-than-perfect looking pears. I honestly hadn’t noticed major scarring, but they did ripen faster this year. Perhaps that’s a sign that our own wind-scarring circumstances can help us grow and mature.