I love gardening! It takes me to my happy place. It's where I reflect on the flower seeds I sow. As I'm placing the seed deep into the earth, I reminisce about how, not so long ago, I felt much like that seed - buried alive. Maybe that's where you find yourself today too.
I was in a dark, cold, lonely place - just like that seed. Not only did I find myself there, but it was as if people were deliberately pushing and pressing me to that suffocating place of darkness and despair. I bet you know what I'm talking about. Do you feel like things are piling up, like dirt being shoveled on top of you? For me, there were times of paralyzing fear; loneliness, vulnerability, and helplessness - unable to control what was happening to me.
Maybe you've been there - feeling like you couldn't dig out of what had buried you
Don't be fooled by how things seem. Planting looks a lot like burial. Burial is final. On the other hand, planting is the genesis of something that in due season will burst forth into new life. As you yield your life to your heavenly Father during the planting season, He'll push and prod you, making your roots grow deep so you'll be able to withstand the many twists and turns life has to offer.
So how do I grow during the "planting" season of my life?
Realize that fertilizer is essential for growth. It comes in many forms but I've found that people often have their shovels full of "manure" and are happy to throw a few piles of that stuff your way. But you know what? The seed of our lives require fertilizer. In fact, God uses all the fertilizer in our lives to make us stronger, richer, and able to withstand the storms of life that are sure to come our way.
Soak up the water & sunshine - they are necessary too. Ephesians 5:6 says, "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." The Word of God washes away our sins, sanitizes our thoughts, cleans up our motives, and purifies our consciences. Nothing on earth has the power to not only clean the outside of us but purify the inside of us down to our very souls. God shines His light to remind us every day that He not only wants to lead us, but He has somewhere He wants to take us.
Don't rush the process. Don't abort the seed's purpose in the ground. It is in this time that the seed of your life is being transformed. Yes, you are being transformed! The seed goes through a metamorphosis that is transforming it from the inside out. Your transformation won't take place overnight so embrace the process, knowing that God is behind the scenes, working things out.
Let the seed die. Unless the seed goes into the ground and dies, there will be no resurrection. There are things in our life that need to die and stay buried. Dying is never fun, but the death process is a necessary part of God's plan. I usually find that I need to die to my plans and my way and yield to the plan God has for me which is always much better. Once I realized that the process of death was necessary, I learned to embrace it instead of fighting against it.
I'm thankful I learned during at least one season of my life that God had planted me, not buried me. I'm alive, full of life, energy, and so much purpose. There have been seasons of darkness, despair, and loneliness, but as I look around now, I can see new life bursting forth everywhere. I see the handiwork of God and I'm glad my roots went deep when it counted. I wish the same for you. I don't know where you are in the process. Maybe you are in the dark place, being planted, or maybe you are now beginning to see the first sprouts of your seed coming out of that dark dirt and you are about to come alive again. Seize the moment and make every minute count during your transformation process.
Your Assignment is to Blossom Where God has Planted You
Oh, and what about those people that helped to dump the manure on you? Let God finish the plan He has for you. Then, they will see your life, blooming into the purpose for which you were created. God will deal with them. Your assignment is to blossom where God has planted you and display His goodness in your life. As you give God the glory for your transformation, He is exalted, and His purpose for what you went through is obvious for everyone to see.
Debbie, I was in church service this morning and that certain song came on (that one that the tears start to flow and when I feel the ugly sobs coming on - I am out of there. The next thing I know - I am halfway home). This morning that song came on and all I could think about was how your friend finally got through "that one song," and the next thing I knew - I had a big smile on my face. Thank you Debbie for letting the Holy Spirit lead you into writing this book!