One of the things I inherited from my mother was her love for gardening. I love to nurture plants and watch them grow and thrive. While having a bad day, and on the verge of having what I call, a full PJ (my great grandson) meltdown, I texted a friend who also loves gardening and shared how tough the day was. Her response blessed and strengthened my soul and spirit. She replied, “We’re perennials honey, you just lay dormant, receive your nutrients, and get ready to bloom!” This gardening analogy immediately shifted my perspective and brought a smile to my face.

Just in case you are not a gardener, let me explain. Perennials are plants that grow and bloom over the spring and summer. They die every fall and winter, and then return in the spring. In the fall, gardeners prune or cut back the plants almost to their roots. During this time, if you looked at the perennials, you would not think they were alive, and you definitely would not consider the possibility of them returning to full bloom. It is beyond consideration because you cannot see any life in the plants. The life is found in the roots and the roots are buried. The underground roots give life to the perennials and cause new above-ground growth to be produced every spring.

I too felt as though I had been cut back and was now lying dormant; however, I was not dead. I may have been pruned but it was for my good. It actually saved my life. I was having some challenges, but I still had a life giving, life sustaining Anchor in Christ Jesus. According to John 15:1-2 (ESV), God is the gardener and Jesus is the life giving root.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

With the reassurance that this too shall pass, I began to focus on the hope of His promise – blooming again – bearing more fruit. After all, spring is just around the corner! So, if you are feeling like things are not moving forward in your life, or there are situations or circumstances beyond your control remember, you are a perennial honey – get ready to bloom again!

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 (AMP)