Lost and Found
I step outside to find my lost student. After days of cold, the warmth of the sun touches my face compelling me to linger. The breeze pulls me farther out in spite of the open door.
My son paces around the swing set collecting his thoughts and scattering them again with imagination. I remind him we needed to finish lessons soon.
Then I glance down at my weed-filled garden next to the house. Boards and ladders smashed the tangled plants during a recent project. My eyes must deceive me. Is that a blush of red?
Two ripe strawberries peek out among the clover and chickweed.
Neglected plants dropped into the ground last year with hope, but barren for a whole season. Now roots spread beneath the rubble of leaves and sticks.
I pull weeds and unearth the harvest. Is spring really here? It is too early, but juicy red fruit reminds me of a promise.
My son and I share the large pink strawberry. Bite by bite we examine the seeds and remember:
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55: 10-11, NIV)
The tiny seeds we plant in the hearts of our children are watered by the Lord. In the barren seasons, it is easy to doubt. When weeds flourish, it is easy to despair.
Remember we can’t see underneath the surface. That is the magic and mystery of life. It comes from within, the realm of conscious tended by the Holy Spirit. And he’s been a gardener since the very beginning.
Just wanted to say I like your analogy. especially about the Holy Spirit
Another timely post for me! I am dealing with frustration at the moment with 2 of my students. But I am reminded here that it’s a work of the Lord and though we cannot always see what He is doing, He is continually at work. When I step back and look at my children, I am so proud of who they are becoming. No, they may not be great scholars at the ripe ‘ol age of 8 and 5 but they are polite, courteous young men full of love for the Lord. I need to step back more often!
I just love how sweetly and gently you share your thoughts! You give me pause to sigh!
You write beautifully.
Wow, what a beautiful surprise!
It’s a gift to be able to see the metaphors in everyday life & events.
Love your writing style, by the way!
^_^
That was so beautifully put! The analogy touched me, and also made me long for spring in my garden, and the spring of my soul, with fresh spiritual fruit :-) Thanks for sharing that.
You do write beautifully. What a lovely surprise.
Lovely post. Beautifully written and a wonderful analogy for the frustrating times not being in vain… Blessings!!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I am touched by your kind words and thrilled you were blessed.
May God bring you a special surprise today to remind you he is working on your behalf.
Summer,
We do get too close sometimes. We see every fault and flaw. I sometimes forget this is God’s work, not mine. It takes faith to let the Holy Spirit do his work.
God is so much more gracious than me. I want to be more like him.
Kimberly,
Yes, we work in a spiritual garden. The seasons aren’t always so well-defined, but God will bring the harvest as we are faithful to listen and obey.
Thanks for the encouragement! Sometimes I feel like I’m banging my head on a brick wall when It comes to parenting. Then I get a glimpse of good character shining through my kids and I know it’s not in vain!
I can’t even tell you how much this post inspired me today. Since returning from my parent’s home in VA this November, my oldest daughter seems to be doing a complete reversal of all the forward progress toward maturity and independance that she had made while there. I’ve been so discouraged about this. It has indeed been a barren season. You post made me realize that God is still owkring in her heart even though I can’t see that on the outside.
I love this Renae! Thank you for the wonderful reminder. I love how God uses nature to teach us His principles.
I have used this Scripture before with my kids when we were studying the water cycle, but today it has become a different lesson for me! ( :
I have read and reread this beautiful post twice today! What a lovely expression of God’s Creation, mothering and the special relationship we have with our children as “teacher” … Thank you for this subtle (but oh-so powerful) post.
beautiful post! and I love that piece of scripture!
your blog is both encouraging and inspiring! thanks.
God bless,
In Him, Deanna
You seriously found a strawberry?! Wow. Wonderful post!
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