Bound to Bloom

I knew she was there…somewhere, hidden by the black-eyed Susan vine. I hadn’t seen her in awhile – at least, not until she bloomed all red and shimmering in the afternoon sun. The poor rose unyielding; her purpose secure.

I so admire the rose that continues to bloom even though she’s wrapped up in vine. It twists and twines around her every branch. Yet she reaches high, up and away from the vine and she still blooms despite all that’s intent on preventing the blessing of her.

Do you ever feel like the rose? You know that you’re supposed to “bloom,” to shine in some way, but your circumstances, your environment and the stuff of life sometimes have you all twisted up and you nearly forget about blooming at all?

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4

I find rest in knowing that the intention of each flower planted in my garden has a purpose. Regardless of its growing conditions, my neglect, etc., each has a goal to bring glory to God and beauty to our lives. Period. Each plant presses on through climate changes, adapting to various soil types and other encroaching plant material yet never loses site of its purpose! 

We struggle against much opposition in this life, things that force us to divert our focus for a time. They vie for our attention and steal our energy and our joy. But remember that no matter how tightly wrapped you are in the vines that threaten to entangle you, your purpose still remains. You were meant to bloom!

Wishing you many blessings, sweet sister,

from this gardener's heart,

Debbie