Flourishing Forward

They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. —Psalm 92:13 NRSV

The alcove between our church and parish hall was once unappealing. Scraggly weeds existed amidst gravel and dirt. Pipes stretched up the wall of a building that had seen better days.

Yet the gardener saw an opportunity and used her knowledge to arrange decorative plantings — things that would grow happily in what seemed a desolate spot. The ugly corner became attractive — even beautiful.

That gifted gardener has since passed from this life, but her work grows on as those earthly plantings survive, thrive, and offer continual enjoyment to passersby.

Prayer

God of earth and heaven, show us how to plant blessings that will flourish and last more than a lifetime.

Quote

He who loses an opportunity is like the man who lets a bird fly from his hand, for he will never recover it.

//St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)

Thought

The things we do today, when using our God-given talents, are like planted seeds which have the potential to grow and thrive beyond a lifetime.

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~ Up next week: "Sun Still Rises"

~ A gift for the caregiver you know: Minding Mom: A Caregiver's Devotional Story

~ I am working on a booklet of 31 "tree-themed" photo devotions—stay tuned!

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