Toppled Bush

 

 After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, Who whispers in your ear, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 The Voice)

 

Wind battered cypress and oak trees in my yard. Limbs thrashed in every direction during the raging, summer storm. Torrents of rain pelted the lake. Bits of hail hit my windows. 

 

            Thunder and lightning produced a frightening fireworks display as I watched the power of the storm from one window after another. 

 

            Gradually, rain only dimpled the lake. Weary limbs stilled. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Only then did I venture outside to check for damage. 

 

            Pink periwinkles reached for the ground. I trimmed heavy stems. When remaining leaves dried off, most of the flowers stood upright. But no bees buzzed around red and white frazzled blooms on neighboring plants.

 

            Another clearance plant from Lowe’s grew from bedraggled to vibrant and beautiful until the thunderstorm hit. Then the five-foot tall bush leaned almost to the grass but the mass of yellow blooms clung tightly to the toppled plant. The rain soaked ground loosened the sturdy trunk and tipped the healthy plant. 

 

            

            With lower branches removed and less weight on the tilting trunk, I hoped the bush would right itself. That didn’t happen and days of more storms pushed it lower and lower. 

 

            A decision had to be made about the unsightly bush before it fell completely from another storm. Should I cut off more limbs and hope it would stand up? Should I just dig it up and replant?  

 

             First, I cut more branches off as I tried to decide its fate. Before I could put the trimmings in a garbage bag, bees returned to the plant. They stuck furry heads into smiling blooms and collected nectar from the lopsided plant. I stopped working and watched the busy insects.

 

            Although I am allergic to bees, I knew they were too busy to notice me. When I reached down to dispose of the remains, bees flew to the blooms on the ground and sipped nectar. They noticed something worthwhile in the waste. 

 

            I realized trimming didn’t help, but I couldn’t dig up the once beautiful plant. It needed a second chance so I rummaged in my garage for some type of support. I found two short wooden stakes connected with yellow construction tape. Although they were much shorter than the bush, I decided to try. 

 

            At once, I realized a single stake wouldn’t hold the leaning bush. After jamming both stakes into the ground, I struggled to enclose the errant branches in tape. More hands would have made the job much easier. However, I finally surrounded the entire plant and pulled and pulled until it stood as tall as I did. Knots held. I waited for another storm.

 

             In the meantime, roots had a chance to push deeper and hold steady. Bees visited daily. Yellow sunshine blooms made me smile. Although it leaned slightly, the small stakes gave needed support to the crooked bush.    

 

            Months of multiple disasters have caused uneasiness, anger and depression. Difficult circumstances extinguished hope and brought despair. Like the small stakes, our limited strength can help prop up others temporarily. 

 

            Lasting strength, peace and comfort comes from God. 

 

Father, thank you for the strength you give us when we have none of our own. Show us how we can support others and help them know You. Amen

 

                        

Hummingbirds, Bees...

 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

 

Spires of flowering plants lined the back of my patio. Bell shaped blooms of red orange and white decorated green stems. Both kinds of flowers came from the clearance rack at Lowe’s. 

 

            A couple of years ago, I dug holes and dropped withered plants into the ground. With plenty of water and sunshine they flourished. Occasionally, I trimmed dead and out of bounds foliage but mostly let them grow on their own.  

 

            Tiny plants grew to be over four feet tall and formed a lovely addition to my garden. They attracted a variety of winged creatures. Monarch butterflies swooped down for a visit. Lizards climbed part way up until the stems swayed with their weight.

 

            Fuzzy bumblebees zoomed from one flower to another. They grabbed onto the flowers and stuck their heads into white and red orange blooms almost every day. 

 

            Although I enjoyed watching all of the visitors, hummingbirds were my favorites. Whirling wings allowed them to hover as their slender beaks dipped into the red orange flowers for delectable treats but they always bypassed the white ones. 

 

            Some days they drank briefly and disappeared. At other times, the pair of teeny birds hung in the air as if by magic above one plant and another before drinking from flower cups. Then they whizzed away. 

 

            At our previous home, Alan put up a hummingbird feeder and meticulously cleaned and filled it with red hummingbird food. Because it was away from the house, we didn’t see many birds come to eat.

 

            After we moved, the feeder remained in the garage. When Alan passed away, I didn’t want another thing to take care of so I gave the feeder away. 

 

            During isolation, I have had more time to appreciate the things around me. I had no idea my clearance rack plants would bring such joy to my garden. Hummingbirds come more frequently or perhaps, I have slowed down and noticed them more. I have also observed other wildlife and plants more closely. 

 

            In addition to increasing gratitude for my retreat on the lake, cherished family and friends have become even more precious. As my world opens up again, I don’t want busyness to overshadow thankfulness of all God has given me. 

 

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for all you have put into my life. Show me daily how to live for You in the midst of a busy and chaotic world. Amen

 

             

 

Predicted or Unpredicted Storms

 

He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds!  Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit^[a] to his height? If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?  Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. (Luke 12: 22-32 WEB)

 

Constant, frantic warnings filled the airwaves. Weather maps with colorful lines showed the approaching hurricane’s possible path. For several days, the relentless forecasts dominated the news. 

 

            They admonished us to prepare for the hurricane by purchasing batteries, water, medications, and food. Put important papers in plastic bags. Fill cars with gas. My mind shut them off their admonitions. 

 

            Even though the hype continued, the weather forecasters admitted that wind speeds dropped. The horrible storm was no longer even a hurricane and barely a tropical storm. However, many people felt panic at what might happen. 

 

            The storm proceeded up from the Caribbean and close to Florida. Its path shifted back and forth. Coming toward our area and then not coming. What were we to believe? Instead of being afraid, I turned off the TV and went about my life. 

 

            Only when my brother texted from Georgia about the storm, did I check the weather report again. At that time, it was again headed my way. 

 

            The following day I stayed home and waited for the storm. Thankfully, my neighborhood received no downpours or blustery winds. Only a little rain came our way. Days of worry for nothing.

 

            A few days later, summer thunderstorms resumed with a vengeance. With little warning, the storm hit. Rain swept across my patio. Trees by the lake whipped wildly in the gusts. Hail beat against my windows. 

 

            Dark clouds brought evening early. With the ferocious gales whipping around my house, I kept looking outside from one window to another. Then I gathered candles and matches in case the electricity went off. 

 

            For a few days, thunderstorms rocked the area. Those normal, summer storms produced more rain, wind and hail than the much publicized possible hurricane.  

 

            The anticipated hurricane caused worry and anxiety but no catastrophe for my part of the state. Often people anguish over big tragedies that never occur. 

 

            Then we can be hit with unexpected adversities on a smaller scale but no less harmful. Being prepared for emergencies is advantageous whether large or small. But trusting God can eliminate panic and desperation. He stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee and can still our storms too. 

 

Loving Father, still our minds and hearts. Help us seek you instead of worrying about possible storms. Amen

Another Crisis?

Charts of neighboring counties with Corona virus cases and deaths flashed on the screen. A colored US map displayed states with increasing numbers of Covid. 

            As if that wasn’t bad enough, stations provided continuous coverage of a possible hurricane for Florida. For days, maps of the Caribbean and the southern United States displayed possible tracks for the named storm. They fixated on a storm that vascillated from a tropical storm to a category 1 hurricane and back again. The tracks moved back and forth. 

            Viewers were urged to stock up on water and batteries. Get papers in order. Fill cars with gas. During hurricane season those things should be done normally. 

            However, every time I heard the weather forecast, it sounded like we were going to be hit with a category 5 hurricane. Stations vied for viewers with constant, frantic predictions. 

            I brought outside potted plants inside and pushed patio furniture away from the screens. I filled my car with gas and was off to my granddaughter’s softball tournament. 

            For two days, I watched teen girls play softball and enjoyed time with my family. Just being outside with people and away from the gloomy news made me happy. 

            The last day of the tournament my brother, Joe, texted me to see how I was doing and asked about the storm. When I told him I didn’t know where it was, he told me I should check its status. 

            After arriving home, I finally did turn on the news to more hype. Supposedly, it was headed my way but winds might only be 30 to 40 mph. Our normal summer storms could be worse than that.  

            Of course, I should be prepared but not obsessed with either crisis the media projects. 

            Instead, early each morning I read the Bible and pray. That is more beneficial than becoming hysterical and anxious from media reports. Comfort, strength and direction from God’s Word gets me through every day. Jesus is my focus instead of the Covid 19 and a tropical storm that might become a hurricane and might come my way. 

            I am not totally ignoring the world but don’t want to get entangled in the rampant agitation, panic and terror. 

            When I read posts and listen to various people, I keep wondering. “Would Jesus say that? Would he do that? “

            He admonished us to love God and love others. He did that even when He didn’t agree with them. I can’t change the world nor the opinions of those who believe differently from me but I can make a difference in my little part of the world by trying to be more like Jesus. 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another. (Matthew 13:34 NKJ)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Matthew 14:27 NKJ)

Jesus, turn hearts toward you and show us how to love others. Give us peace in this unsettled world. Amen.

             

Limp and Lifeless

Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2 WEB)

As the beginning of isolation, cool temperatures and low humidity greeted me for my daily walks and bike rides. By 8 am, I would be on my way and enjoyed meeting people around the neighborhood. 

            As the shutdown continued into late spring and summer, things changed. I left my house earlier to escape the intense heat and high humidity. Few people ventured out at dawn so I often had the streets and sidewalks to myself. 

            On my excursions, I dropped off pages from daily devotionals at my friends’ homes. A few widows were regulars on my route. Other friends received them occasionally. On special holidays like Mother’s Day and Easter, my outreach grew to include more neighbors and even some residents I didn’t know. 

            As I read devotionals each morning, I decided who would benefit from each one. On other days, I prayed for the best one for each friend and left it up to God and. Often, friends told me they really needed the writings I left for them. 

            During the heat and high humidity of summer, I left home with crisp papers in my hand. At the first couple of stops, the pages remained firm and dry. Minutes later, my hand clutched limp, damp devotionals which looked like they had been left in the rain. 

            Likewise, lives during the pandemic have become limp and lifeless. Isolation, illness and uncertainty have sapped energy and decreased motivation. 

            Even though isolation has kept me home for months, I don’t want to become limp and lethargic. My solution was to find creative ways to interact with people. My daily deliveries of uplifting readings encourage friends and give me happiness. When I reach out to other people, I find joy in sharing about Jesus. 

Lord, give us strength, peace and joy as we navigate through the pandemic. Amen

An Urgent, Monotonous Din

Sunlight poked through the trees and illuminated the lake and my garden. Bees buzzed around my orange flowers. Calmness enveloped me during my morning devotional time. A symphony of birds sang delightful melodies. 

            Then a bird hidden in a tree near my patio produced a loud noise. From across the lake, another bird answered with the same tone and rhythm. As soon as one finished, the other one repeated the urgent, monotonous din and disturbed my serenity. No longer could I enjoy the music of the songbirds. 

            The racket reminded me of the constant clamor on TV, radio and the Internet. People decide which ones to parrot and keep repeating what they hear. Back and forth they go. Louder and louder. Each side trying to overtake the opposing views while overtaking pleasant conversations and peaceful situations. 

            The continual blasting wears me out. I now only watch a small amount of the news and bypass much of what is posted online. 

            Instead of getting caught up in the battles, I try to focus on Jesus and follow His teachings. Love God and love others. 

            I can pray for our leaders from local to national whether I like them or not. Jesus loves them. I can pray for those in the media to speak the truth. I can pray that our country heals and comes together. I can pray for revival. 

            God answers prayers but not always the way I want or in the time I desire. I can’t personally reach everyone I pray for but God can. 

            As a Christian, my purpose is to show His love and glorify Him. Each day, I can look for opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. Often it is something small that has a huge impact. 

            One thing I did today was to give a bottle of cold water to the young man mowing my lawn. We didn’t speak the same language but his smile told me thank you. 

            I wonder what opportunity I will have tomorrow? How about you?

And anyone who has given so much as a cup of cold water to one of the little ones, because he is My disciple, I tell you, that person will be well rewarded.

 (Matthew 10:42 KJV)

Loving Father, help me to ignore the conflicts and embrace your love. Open my eyes to opportunities each day. Amen

Pressing Toward the Goal

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 12-14 NIV)

Perched on my bright, pink bike, I pulled out of my garage for an early morning ride. A slightly cooler temperature than normal welcomed me as rode in the sunshine. 

            A tiny breeze ruffled my hair while I went up and down vacant streets around the neighborhood. In my area trees shaded the street. 

            But in the newer sections, spindly oaks offered little cover. Only a few empty lots remained in the vast region. When we moved into our home, a forest of towering trees filled with wildlife occupied that space. 

            Frequently, I looked down at my Apple watch to see my distance and time. Two miles and then three miles. Watching the mileage motivated me to try completing four miles. 

            My legs pumped with renewed strength. I surpassed my goal of four miles and made it to four and a half. My heart rate increased but I kept pedaling past my home. I circled a lake beyond my house a few times to get to five miles. 

            When I pulled into my driveway, I checked the mileage and stopped the watch at five and three tenths miles. 

            For me, that was a huge accomplishment. As the pandemic began, bronchitis kept me down for two weeks. Gradually, strength returned little by little. Walks and bike rides brought on extreme shortness of breath. Going one half mile wore me out. 

            The doctor prescribed an inhaler. The first one did little to alleviate my difficult breathing. The second one helped but didn’t eliminate the problem. I persisted and alternated walking and biking almost every day. 

            Early exercise brought cooler temperatures. I talked to neighbors who passed by. On walks, I listened to podcasts of sermons which propelled me to continue. Improvements in distance and time motivated me to not quit. 

            Daily exercises produced more energy and awakened my sense of thankfulness for God’s creation as I noticed it around my neighborhood. Podcasts of Christian speakers fed my soul and kept me moving spiritually and physically. 

            In the midst of the pandemic with all of its horrible consequences, positive outcomes occur too. 

Father, thank you for meeting us during tough times. You appear in unexpected circumstances and strengthen us despite our trials. Amen