I’m surprised the kids have lasted as long as they have. For real. If plants had been any indicator all signs pointed to the fact that the kids wouldn’t last longer than 2 months. But they’ve survived and surprisingly enough, the roses I planted 4 years ago when I bought my house have survived too. I added a few more rose bushes 2 years ago… and they’re also still there.
Last year on March 1st my green-thumb of a sister told me I should trim them way back. So, I did. And I was scared. But they did grow back, stronger and more beautiful than the year before. Therefore, this weekend I repeated the process. I hope they grow back fuller and stronger this year, but we’ll see, right?
I do always think about the Lord when I do this. It’s easy to. He prunes me, I have to pick out the weeds that have a tendency of growing in my heart. The entire process of gardening is really a time for me and God. I put my hands on what I feel like HE does to me (for me) constantly. As I did last year, I listened to worship music the entire time and I cried a little, not because I was sad, but because I was grateful. I will forever know what I am. I know all the cracks and broken parts and yet HE loves me. HE died for me. HE made a way for me to spend eternity with HIM, not because of anything I’ve done… but because of who HE is.
The annual pruning of my rose bushes is an annual reminder of the pain and elimination of my own diseased (yet comfortable) parts HE’s had to cut away, those pruning’s I’ve endured during my walk with the Lord. Instances of discomfort, ugliness, and ache, in order to grow… stronger. God doesn’t do easy. HE wants way more from us than just what comes easy. Just like my nub little bushes, it’s what’s to come that will be glorious.
Now… if they don’t grow back my gardening may become a metaphor for another part of my walk but for now… it reminds me of the necessary purge in order for the eventual growth and bloom.
Here’s to spring people!