In late May, my husband armed my youngest with a spade, charging him with the knightly duty of uprooting insurgent roots in the garden. Like any knight worth his shield, helmet and, ummm, spade, he took to the task with vigilance.
Not a green leaf or its root remained.
Three packets worth of zinnias and 3 packets of cosmos , the promise of so much summer color and charm, were heaped in a wilted pile.
Realizing the error of this zealous knight-in-training, my husband worked with him to save as many zinnias as possible – and I loved that, that my son replanted as many zinnia seeds as he could – that’s a keeper story that goes straight to my heart – and that my husband showed him how, doing it with him.
Life is like that sometimes – the work of my hands – and your hands, too- is like seeds planted. Sometimes the results grow, blossom and reap a harvest – just like seed packet directions promise.
Sometimes, though, unexpected happenings interfere with what I perceive is normal cause-effect of my actions and expectations.
Sometimes my hopes and dreams feel as if they’ve been pulled out of mylife, like those zinnia seeds in my flower bed.
. . . . and maybe they have been. . . . but if I love what those zinnia seeds stand for – then maybe. . . . just maybe. . . . I need to replant new seeds – of the same thing I’ve done over and over – and let hope and faith in a Holy Spirit rain nourish the repetitive planting of those seed dreams..
Disgruntled? Cross-eyed with frustration? Tempted to cry, “Unfair?” – You bet!
I’m learning that while seed packages have seed-time and harvest directions with 30 to 60 day results – God’s plans don’t always have such a quick turn-around – ’cause He’s growing something bigger in us than a squash, a pepper, a cosmos and a zinnia.
Dreams He planted in you and me, before we were born do have a seed-time and harvest – but it’s all on God’s time. Just like I didn’t want to give up on my zinnias; He doesn’t want me to give up on those dreams -even if I have to do things over and over and over – and over, over, over and over some more.
Maybe my zinnia basket in August wasn’t as full as I hoped it would be – but how dear the flowers of those zinnia seeds replanted.
I could have just given up. After all, it took till almost Fall for them to bloom – the summer almost done.
. . . but I didn’t give up. . . on the dream. I replanted, though I had to wait longer than I wanted or expected.
The zinnias brought the joy I anticipated – just like I know the dream He planted will.
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:9)
I so need to hear your words this morning. And His words to not lose heart in doing good because I have grown weary the past couple of weeks. 😦
This speaks truth and hope to me: “I’m learning that while seed packages have seed-time and harvest directions with 30 to 60 day results – God’s plans don’t always have such a quick turn-around – ’cause He’s growing something bigger in us than a squash, a pepper, a cosmos and a zinnia.”
Thank you, friend!
Don’t you just love it when you can find a lesson from God in each and every circumstance in our lives? And what a great attitude towards those uprooted plants!
Never ever ever lose hope. It’s tempting to give up sometimes, but you said it, Galations 6:9. 😊
I particularly love gardening posts — I always learn so much in my garden. And I really resonated with the 30-60 days statement…because God IS growing something bigger than flowers. He’s growing me.
Isn’t it lovely know He never gives up on us! Patience while we do what we know to do, even if we have to do it over and over again, as long as we don’t quit, we will realise our dreams.
Thanks for sharing using this very relatable story.
Let us not lose heart. Thanks! So needed that on this morning. xxoo
Here’s to replanting and perseverance, Maryleigh! I think God gave me an extra dose of perseverance, for which I am grateful, but in this season of my life I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and would love to put up my gardening gloves and pack up the seeds. But instead your words help me to focus on the prize–the lovely flowers my perseverance produces. I’m so glad you persevered in replanting your actual garden and then enjoying the beauty. And I bet your son learned an important lesson or two in that misdirected effort! God is always the great Redeemer! Hugs to you!
Hi Maryleigh! This reminds me of all those parables of things that were lost. Coins, sheep…and how the Lord goes after those things that seem so little. No wonder those zinnias were so precious! They were sought after and lovingly replanted. Saved for you by the ones you love the most! That’s pretty special.
Blessings,
Ceil
Such a sweet boy you have! This makes a great metaphor for why we must never give up on what God’s growing in our lives. Thanks for sharing this & for visiting me at Doorkeeper. Blessings!
I love this! And I love zinnias. So much truth tucked inside this post. Life changing, saving, encouraging truth. I’m so glad I followed you at The Weekend Brew! Beautiful!