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Well done, David. Good information and application Another aspect to bananas - when they turn brown to black, they are not useless as that is when they make the best banana bread. So, like us, just because we have gotten a little old it doesn't mean we should give up ... we can still be useful.

This is the perfect description of the episode where Jesus sleeps soundly on the boat, while the storm rages to the point of frightening his disciples, who don't understand this abandonment in sleep. There is a storm around us, the world is afraid and we are sleeping the sleep of the righteous. We just have to avoid resting on our laurels...

Thank you, sister — that was beautifully said. That moment on the boat has always moved me too. The waves didn’t wake Jesus, but the fear in his friends’ voices did. And I love what you drew out: it’s not just about peace in the storm… it’s about who’s in the boat. We aren’t naïve to the chaos — we’re just not alone in it. Yes, there’s a sleep that comes from spiritual laziness… but there’s also a sleep of trust. Of having done what we can — and then letting go. Like the horse that finally folds its legs and rests, because the world is quiet enough to allow it. But your reminder is perfect: it’s not time to lie down and stay. There’s work to do. So maybe we do rest a little — not out of apathy, but out of assurance. Because when it’s time to move again, we’ll rise at our Master’s voice.

Perfectly said, my sister!

In fact, if we are old in the truth we are likely well bred. Also, black bananas cooked with a little rum is not bad either.

So I understand that we must let our hearts develop, produce pretty freckles, a sign of maturity? 🤔

That question really opens the door for something meaningful. Just like our physical eyes can be temporarily blinded by sudden exposure to intense light, our spiritual eyes can also be overwhelmed in real life. It might happen when someone first learns a powerful Bible truth before they’re emotionally ready to accept it — like the idea that God has a name, or that he doesn’t cause suffering. Now, I’ll be honest — I’ve always found it surprising when people get thrown by that first one. To me, learning that God has a name was a beautiful thing. Suddenly he wasn’t just a title in the sky — he was personal. Real. Closer. But for someone raised on the idea that “God” is this vague, distant force, finding out he has an actual name — Jehovah — can feel like too much light at once. Even though it’s good news, it can still sting the eyes a bit. That blinding moment doesn’t mean something’s wrong with the truth — it just means the heart needs time to adjust. And then there are the moments that don’t come with new facts — they come with impact. A loss, a betrayal, a sudden hit to your health or confidence — and just like that, you’re blinking hard, trying to find your footing. You still believe what you believed yesterday, but everything’s fuzzy. You’re not blind, exactly. Just squinting in the spiritual glare. But here’s the mercy in it: Jehovah doesn’t stand there tapping his foot while we stumble around. Psalm 119:105 doesn’t say his word is a stadium light to fry your retinas — it’s a lamp to your foot. One step at a time. That means we don’t have to see the whole road. Just enough to keep moving forward. Sometimes that light comes in the form of a gentle reminder from a friend. Or a quiet moment at the meeting where something clicks again. Or maybe it’s a walk around the block with a prayer hanging in the air like fog — no big answers, just the sense that you’re not alone in it. If you’ve ever felt spiritually “blinded,” that’s not failure. It might just mean you’re mid-adjustment. And when you keep turning toward Jehovah — even with one eye half-closed and your hand shielding your face — eventually that light that once overwhelmed you becomes the very thing that clears your vision. And when that happens… well, you don’t forget it.

Gosh David ... home run 👍. I 'll never see bananas in the same way from here on!

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU ! ! ! At age 81, having been active in field service over 75 years, and a fourth generation witness that REALLY makes me feel much better! My great-grandmother accepted the truth circa 1920. Her daughter, son-in-law, and all five grandchildren accepted the truth. One of her grandsons had his life story in the December 1, 1992, Watchtower. One of her great-grandsons has his life story in the July 2025 Watchtower, and is currently serving at WHQ. One of her great-granddaughters spent over 50 years (with her now deceased husband) as a Special Pioneer, Circuit Servant's wife, and District Servant's wife. Another of her great-grandaughters is with her husband in Bethel in England. More than I can count of the rest of her great-grandchildren are serving as Elders, Ministerial Servants, and Pioneers in their congregations. My son (her great-great-grandson) is a Ministerial Servant in his congregation (he is fifth generation witness). My grandsons (her great-great-great-grandsons) are approved unbaptized publishers. I am VERY thankful that I, like Timothy, "from infancy . . . have known the holy writings." I have not had to un-lean wrong things. I have not had to put aside bad habits or wrong conduct. I am very greatful for the spiritual heritage of the family in which I happened to be born. Having said all of that, let me be clear, those without that history have made great strides in their lives to be worshippers of Jehovah, and they are to be admired! When I see those who were not "raised in the truth" I encouraged to see the changes they have had to make, in thinking, attitudes, and conduct, in order to conform their lives to Jehovah's standards. I have tremendous respect and admiration for those who have made these changes to please Jehovah. They are truly great examples for those of us who did not have to face the changes they faced. Their love for Jehovah is amply evident in the things they have done to be able to serve him. To all of those who have made these changes -> thank you - thank you - THANK YOU for doing the things you had to do to put Jehovah first! I am not sure I would have been able to do what you have done. Thanks for listening (or reading), Jim

With a shape like that, you would guess that their origins were Australian eh?

The leap from phlegm to the conscience seemed initially light years apart but somehow you snapped that analogy together like so many Lego pieces & built yet another mind-bending observation. Seriously, I laughed out loud & shook my head in wonder simultaneously!

A great lesson showing that what seem like irritants are far from an irritation. Thanks again.

This would be a good topic for discussion. What are some real life situations that could make one feel blinded? What are some ways to recover sight?