As dawn awakened my garden, an abundance of color welcomed me to a new day.
Blooms of purple, white, yellow, pink, and orange lifted their faces to the sun. I enjoyed the mixture of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures in my backyard garden. My front yard is traditional but the rear is more whimsical and fun.
Almost every plant was rescued from the clearance rack at Lowe’s. Some ended up there at the end of their growing season. Others were a surplus. A few appeared almost beyond hope. The bargain prices challenged me to provide a nurturing home and revive them.
At home, I snipped off dead leaves. Dug holes. Dropped in fertilizer and added water. Often roots had to be pulled apart or cut before planting. With care, I hoped they would thrive.
Dry stems revived. New blooms opened. Not only did most of them flourish, they grew and multiplied. Surprise flowers formed from dropped seeds. A few extended their roots to form a larger plant.
Small individual plants joined to form an enchanting mixture of color. Pink periwinkles, white daisies, yellow sunflowers, and purple Mexican petunias swayed in the breezes.
Bees jiggled blooms as pollen stuck to their bodies. Butterflies frolicked among the flowers. Dew glistened off leaves.
Each morning my garden reminds me of the majesty of God’s creation. He carefully fashioned each bloom, leaf and stem into a breathtaking variety of plants. I thank Him for my unique, stunning display.
Like my rescued plants, God saves and redeems broken, hurting, and discarded people. He prunes, nurtures and transforms them into healthy, fully alive ones.
The true God who inhabits sacred space is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows. He makes a home for those who are alone. He frees the prisoners and leads them to prosper.
(Psalm 68: 5-6 The Voice)
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating my exquisite garden. Thank you for loving and restoring your broken people. Amen
