Gazing through the window I was awed and inspired. The summer heat was upon us, yet we had enjoyed occasional days of unexpected rain. And with the daily routines of life seemingly stealing my time and energies, I simply had not stopped to enjoy or even glance at what was happening in our backyard. But on a Sunday morning just as I was about to exit the bedroom after dressing for the day, I glanced out the window and there it stood.
It had seemingly grown not merely a few inches, but several feet since I last noticed it. Covered in leaves and majestic blooms stood a crape myrtle that only a couple of seasons earlier looked as though it was finished, done, about to die away to leave its corner empty and unoccupied. The sight astounded me, and I stopped in my tracks. Regaining a sense of where I was and what I was doing, I moved closer to the window to peer more closely through the blinds. Displayed were not merely a few blooms, but an explosion of brilliant white color. The tree looked healthy, full, and breathtakingly beautiful.
It was all too easy to see the parallel with life’s seasons we seemingly traveled only recently. Having made it through health concerns and financial mountains, we were grateful for a new season. Restoration was promised and was now in full bloom. I marveled at the thought that each new day presents us with an opportunity to grow and bloom right where we find ourselves.
The tendrils of time …
Later that evening I made time to check on the growth of a lovely vine. My husband, Donovan, unaffectionately calls it the bush from down under – only he uses a colorful four letter word. I’m sure you get the idea. Yet I find it inspiring. We pruned it rigorously a couple of months ago as it was getting out of control and winding its way to undesirable places. The grill, the patio chairs and anything else in its path could easily succumb to its foliage and winding tendrils. Yet it produces a fragrant purple flower that hangs delicately like a cluster of grapes. And its resilience to survive and thrive even after times of drought or freezing temperatures is a reminder of how wonderfully God designed it.
Knowing the vine was annoying Donovan with its out-of-control growth, I once again trimmed it back and released the various objects that had fallen prey to its grip. Before long I began to recall the verse that follows the Bible’s Hall of Fame, that list of ancient heroes of faith:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us Hebrews 12:1 NIV
The race before us …
The race set before us in recent years found us surviving some very difficult seasons. Often in the moment, we were uncertain if we would make it to the other side. Knowing God’s Word, reading and believing His promise of restoration, yet navigating and experiencing unspeakable pain sometimes led us to question. Like the snaking vine that would overtake anything in its path, worry and doubt threatened to overrule our faith. Times of anguish could easily have been relinquished to momentary pleasures promising a fragrant and desirable reprieve. Temptations and alluring desires all too often wind tendrils of seemingly harmless release. But before long the tender tendrils transform into thick bark covered branches that can no longer be easily brushed off or broken away.
So as our days unfold and the trials of life present, remember that seasons change. What we experience today may continue into tomorrow and the next day and possibly even for months or years. But eventually, the season will change whether it is a pleasant or painful one. Yet in the end, the tendrils of unbelief or faith that we allow to grow will remain. What will you allow to wander through your mind and take root in your heart?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 KJV
Reflective Resource:
The resource below is recommended for your continued encouragement. Your purchase helps Warrior of the Word continue to prepare and share content designed to stimulate wholesome thinking.
How Can I Swim Without my Seahorse
The pre-dawn dance of seahorses is a daily ritual occurring between these mysterious creatures lending fascinating parallels to our spiritual development & devotion. Plunge into their deep underwater existence & observe these elusive creatures in the depths of imagination & resurface to appreciate the need of a pre-dawn dance with the lover of our souls in – How Can I Swim without my Seahorse? Now available on Amazon
… from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. Ps 110:3 Amazon reviews are also welcomed and helpful from those who have read Warrior of the Word resource(s). Our prayer is that you will be encouraged and enriched as you seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. May you hunger and thirst for more of God’s Word, and may you find helpful insights and tools to help you on your journey.
Blessings,
WarrioroftheWord / tanja dufrene
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