The lilacs, then the lilies, followed by the snowballs, and now come the peonies. My yard is starting have blossoms somewhere all summer long. That consistency is not a result of knowledge. Home’s backyard is a happenstance resulting from following my heart in a one-step-at-a-time planting over 10 years.
This planting has taught me much about the hope and faith journey of a prayer sent out – how to live fully in the daily until that prayer returns home answered.
Today is my seven year blogaversary. I am still that stick that will not be broken, though as my boys have grown older they seem to think I am more fragile than I believe I am. On a hiking trip in the Smokey Mountains, they weren’t comfortable with me lagging behind taking photos. They started tag-teaming who would stay behind with me. I learned I don’t like being treated like I’m fragile; however, their efforts were a sweet hug from a bunch of boys who still like me to pour them a glass of milk “because it just tastes so much better if mamma does it.”
Each year of this blogging seems to have brought with it a change to my story – inside and out. The challenges change, too. However, God’s faithfulness in his love for me, his saving grace and redemption of my daily haven’t changed; it has only become more revealed.
He’s not surprised how I learn – the quickness of picking up on some things and the slowness of learning other things. He put in my heart the admiration and desire of each flower in my backyard – some because of their story, some because looking at them made my heart happy.
I had to scrape and dig into the red Tennessee clay, mix with rich dirt and manure along the house, the back edges of my yard, spots for Leland pines, hollies, lilacs, snowballs, butterfly bushes, crepe myrtles. Every summer I reseed the zinnias.
He dropped an idea into my heart – and plant by plant – not really seeing the long-term vision of a yard blooming some kind of blossom all spring and summer long, not really seeing me learning how to live blessing in the midst of the challenges consistently – like my yard, I am getting there. Not through any intentional design on my part, but walking with him in faith and hope one step at a time.
Just like each child he sent us – child by child – not really seeing the long-term vision of each son growing, not really knowing how to live blessing in the midst of the parenting challenges consistently, but walking with him in faith and hope one step at a time.
Gardening is so very much like parenting, even marriage.
Yes, I am still a stick that will not be broken. It’s not because I am strong or resilient. I don’t have access to anything any different than you or my neighbor. It’s more about understanding and believing in whose I am than putting any stock into who I am.
Seven years in the blogahood? It has been a delightful, encouragement-filled place to be, and I am so glad that I came – one blog post at a time.
And, so am I, sweet friend. Thankful for God’s work in and through your life, and grateful to be a part of your journey. Congratulations!! And, by the way, what sweet sons you have…protective of their mamma. You have raised them well. 🙂
Congratulations, friend!
Happy Blogaversary! 7 years is a big feat in the online world! I’m always awed by bloggers who stick with it for the serious long-haul. That is certainly perseverance. Thank you for joining and sharing at Let Us Grow! Blessings!
Happy Blogaversary…how’d seven years go by so fast? One blog post at a time. Good job!
Yay! Congratulations – 7 years is a huge accomplishment.. I have only been doing this whole blogging thing for a little over a year – I attempted to blog about 7-8 years ago and I didn’t stick with it – so I understand how much commitment it takes – thank you for sharing today at #Unite linkup
And what a blessing to all of us who find ourselves visiting and internalizing your words — words you’ve found at the feet of Jesus. Happy Blogaversary!
Happy Blogaversary! The years fly by so quickly! God bless as you continue to share your wisdom and the love of Jesus
Happy Blogaversary! I wonder how many years ago I found you, Maryleigh. It’s been a pleasure and a blessing to read your stories and see how you’ve journeyed through life with the Lord. Glad you’re still out here writing with us!
Happy Seven years!
Congratulations!!