At His Feet

A few weeks ago, as Tom and I cleaned out our small garden I couldn't help but think about how beautiful the flowers had been. We enjoyed them so much this year, we even planted fall flowers. The colors were once vibrant and filled our little courtyard with splashes of reds, pinks, yellows and purples. Some plants flourished so much I requested to our groundskeeper (Tom) that they be cut back as not to overcrowd the others. Some needed staking, they grew so tall and strong. They bloomed and bloomed and bloomed again - loving the sunlight and summer rain showers or occasional sprinkler spa treatment. But now it was evident that time and weather had taken its toll on our once bountiful oasis.What had once been flourishing...now dead and dry.And isn't that just like our faith sometimes? As Tom and I cut away dead branches, pulled up roots and threw away lifeless buds, I felt a twinge of comparison to real life. Our hearts get heavy with the burdens of this world and we lose our energy to earnestly seek after Him. Our prayers are quick and hurried, if we pray at all. We wonder why we feel empty. And depleted of the fruit of the spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The things we so desire...

Sometimes it doesn't matter what the weather is like or how many times I've worked out that week or whether people were nice to me at work. Some days I just feel tired. Sometimes there is no explanation other than I need more of Jesus. It has been one of those weeks where my heart is heavy with prayer requests from those I love and heartache for even those that I don't. I know life won't always be colorful, vibrant, blooming flowers. I know that suffering produces perseverance. I know that in our trials, we grow in ways we might otherwise not be able. I know that He is with me always and that the power of the Holy Spirit lives in me. I know that He suffers with us in our grief. I know that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. And I also know that we are to praise Him in all things -- like the beautiful blooming flowers that once were. So while I feel weary at times, I am thankful that I am learning and growing. I lay these burdens at His feet for truly He knows best how to handle them. I look forward with great anticipation to spring blossoms that will once again fill our courtyard, but until then, I will enjoy the simple color of one tenacious purple cabbage that is still going strong.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30