Uncle Karl and the Plum Trees

Mother Franziska lived by a spirit of generosity which I can best describe by telling of my Uncle and his plum trees.

Karl lived in a little village on the edge of the Black Forest in southern Germany. The plum trees that contributed to their income since his parents' time were getting old so he bought some new ones. As he was digging the holes for his little saplings he commented that the relatives were wondering why such an old man was bothering to plant new plum trees. He planted carefully because these trees would bring delight to many people in future summers and he wished them well. Uncle Karl never did anything solely for himself. As he said, "Someone will eat the plums, Bon Appetit"

Like Johnny Appleseed and Uncle Karl, we can just do good and give blessings and let the God of all ages determine the result.