This is my third Georgia summer. I grew up in Illinois and moved to the metro Atlanta area with my husband and children in June two years ago. We’ve been settled in our new life here for quite some time, but certain things still feel so fresh. The change in scenery is one such thing.
The trees, plants, and flowers that grow in Georgia that I’m not familiar with from growing up in the north leave me positively awe-struck. There’s a long row of wisteria trees that lines the middle school where my daughter attended 8th grade, and I became instantly obsessed. I’d marvel at them each afternoon as I waited for her in the pickup line, listening for the final bell to ring.
She’d throw her backpack on the floor, plop down beside me, and our conversation would sound something like, “(Sigh) I know, Mom. The trees are pretty but you don’t have to point them out Every. Single. Day (eye roll).” This was my daughter talking if you hadn’t already guessed. And then,“…No, I won’t stick my head out the window and take a picture for you!”
I don’t remember the rest of the conversation but there was something about her friends spotting her doing something so horrifically embarrassing and life being ruined forever. Blah, blah, blah. There was more eye rolling, too, but if I’m being 100% honest, it came from me.
No worries though! We compromised and came back later one day when the parking lot was empty so I could get some pictures.
Half the time I forget when each particular tree or plant is supposed to bloom. I know the blooms are coming though, and this causes expectancy to linger in my mind as the months and seasons pass.
Ya’ll, there’s a huge bush in my yard that blooms in February!
(By the way, I never say “ya’ll” but thank you for letting me try it on for size. The verdict is in, and apparently two years isn’t long enough to make me a true southerner. Let me start over…)
You guys, there’s a huge bush in my yard that blooms in February!
A bush that blooms in February? What kind of magic is that?! The first time I saw it I was as shocked as Moses walking up on the burning bush in the wilderness! Most of my February days in Illinois were spent hoping I’d be able to walk outside without my nose hairs freezing before I made it to the car. If you know, you know.
Besides wisteria and the “magical February bush”, there’s several trees right outside one of my bedroom windows that bloom with the most gorgeous flowers. Crape Myrtles, I think they’re called. Each tree has flowers that bloom a different color; some white, some pastel pink, some bright pink. I set my recliner facing the window just so I could enjoy the view. I’ve been waiting for these gorgeous flowers to bloom since summer hit.
I thought they came in early June, so my patience was wearing a little thin. I even began to think something might be wrong with the trees themselves. Were we supposed to prune them? (Somebody remind me to Google that later.) There’s a reason I don’t have house plants. For crying out loud, please don’t tell me I managed to kill full grown trees!
It turns out I just needed to wait a little longer than expected because mid-July rolled around and they started to bloom.
They were well worth the wait!
Just a few days ago I gathered my family around the window and together we admired the transformation that’d taken place.
And it made me think…
I wonder how God feels watching us grow and develop into the women He’s created us to be.
As we’re transformed by His life-giving Spirit, does He sit on the edge of His throne in anticipation, knowing the end result is going to be spectacular? Does He pull the angels close to His side, pointing us out one by one?
“Ohh, look at her!” He might exclaim. “Isn’t she beautiful? See how much she’s grown?”
The problem I face, and maybe you know what I’m talking about here, is that I’m not God and I can’t see my own personal ending from where I’m at right now. I find myself growing impatient with the process. I want to get to the good stuff now.
I want to be the “magical February bush” that cuts right to the chase and blooms in the dead of winter! Nothing can stand in her way. She knows her purpose and is steadfast in the pursuit of her goals and God-given calling.
I want to be the wisteria tree, who’s bold and unapologetic. She knows what she stands for and is unwavering, yet she draws others in with her grace and tenderness.
Can’t I be her? Can’t I be anyone other than the girl who needs more pruning? Anyone besides the girl who takes one step forward and two steps back? The girl people look at and wonder, “Is she going to make it?”
Friend, if you find yourself in a season of pruning, let me remind you today that progress is progress. The hard work you’re putting in is making you stronger.
Just keep on keepin’ on. With persistence, faithfulness, a healthy dose of grit, and yes, some God-ordained pruning here and there, you’re going to blossom.
And when you do, God will be there taking it all in. Admiring what He created in you. Proud of your transformation. And if I had to guess, He’ll look at you with all the love in the world, and with angels by His side, whisper,
“She was well worth the wait.”
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
I enjoyed your writings.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re here!
Love to see this every day !
Oh, yes! Nature is so beautiful.