This picture is a little plant that I have in my garden window above my sink in the kitchen. When we first moved into this house, I was so glad we had that window and went out and bought some cool, organic looking plants with black and white pots to be a glimpse of the modern, clean, organic kitchen I will one day have (and not 80's flower wallpaper). The one above really didn't impress me that much but I needed another small one (it's only about 7 inches) so I got it. It only had a few of the fat leaves on it, and I didn't expect it to do anything else. So after my window was all set I planned on tossing it, but I guess I kept forgetting about it so it stayed there. And stayed there. Months and months of looking the same. I watered it occasionally since it remained in the window and thought what the heck. Today I was watering the plants and randomly decided to turn that plant around and voila- the picture you see above. To my surprise it has bloomed these little buds that I think will turn into little flowers. I had no idea this plant was capable or would produce flowers. We never know what kind of fruit will be brought forth from the seeds that are in our care. We get frustrated because the plants don't seem to be growing or doing anything showy. We get tired of our required consistency of watering, caring, and making sure they get sun. Without reward. And then one day, if we stay with it, we might be surprised at what delightful thing springs up from seemingly nothing. I needed this perspective for my darling daughter. With all the frustrations we've had with her lately, I have forgotten that she is a delicate little seed that God, the creator, entrusted to my care to nurture and help shape what will blossom into something beautiful that He made. That I could actually alter if I do not do my part of the job. Just because I don't see it right now or get the reward doesn't mean I can abandon my job as nurturer- water, care, point to the sun. And repeat every day. And I'm sure I will be delightfully surprised and rewarded one day as I sit back and admire the amazing product of the Creator.
To refer to Ruth's walking post (which was so awesome), we truly never know what kind of difference we're making when we're just staying faithful and consistent every day. When you invest into someone else's life, whether it be a child, friend, or other family member there is no way to see the end from the beginning. Or get to pick what it's going to be. Or choose the time the blooming comes. That's God's job. Our job is to nurture and tend to that seed God has placed in our hands. So don't give up on those stubborn little plants that aren't bearing any fruit! Just keep on keeping on. You never know...
