Thrive

By Pat

A few weeks ago, as I was working on clearing out my flower beds, I decided to move some plants from the front yard to the backyard. I dug them out and carefully transplanted them to a strategically chosen spot where I knew they would do better.

For the first several days, I had to baby the transplants, keeping them watered frequently because they would wilt very easily. After they would receive their drink, they perked right back up, healthy and strong, but by later in the day they would start wilting again. They were not used to their new surroundings and their roots were shaken. However, with persistant care, the roots became accustomed to their new spot, and the plants strengthened and settled in nicely, and are now thriving.

I couldn't help but realize how similar the plants and I are. Whenever God moves me, tries to begin a new work in me, I resist. I feel uncomfortable in my new place, and I wilt. But God knows where I will thrive and bloom, and He patiently encourages me with His love and waters me with His grace. His goodness shines on me like the sun shines on my on my plants. After a while, I realize that, as usual, God was right, and I gain my footing. I go from striving to thriving, and I bear fruit for His Kingdom.

If you find yourself being transplanted, whether literally or figuratively, remember that God knows exactly where you need to be to grow to your full, beautiful potential. After all, it's His garden and you're His plant! Allow Him to do a little digging and let your roots settle in and spread. But don't let yourself get too comfortable...you never know when the Gardener will head your way with a shovel again!

"I am the vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

No One Is Good, Not Even One

By Kelly (Living is Simple)

In my Senior Sem class at EMU, we read Henri Nouwen's "Turn My Mouring Into Dancing." Nouwen, in the book, says,

"Many things we think we do for others are in fact the expressions of our drive to discover our identity in the praise of others."

We were asked to respond, then, to these questions:

How has this been true or untrue in your life?

How does Christian culture and drive to service affect this?

I will freely admit that I often thread the praise or lack thereof into the tapestry of my identity. Who does not enjoy a word that builds confidence in what the body or mind can accomplish? Who does not fall into doubt when praise is few and far between? We crave affirmation in what we can do.

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