It has been a challenging 7 years for me character-wise. Losing everything has given me a completely new perspective on life, as to what truly matters and that healing from that which no longer serves us and character refining, takes time.
Last week as I cut off the dead leaves of the recently planted tomato plant – produced as part of a project to build a life around us in the complex where I am living, I walked away thinking I hope this plant is not going to die on me as I am continuously cutting off dead leaves and branches. I’m watering it but the elements being extreme summer heat and the Cape Town South Easter Wind truly gives this resilient plant a beating.
My friend who planted the seeds but never got a chance to water it – said thank you for looking after the plant. It is flourishing and did you see there are 4 baby tomatoes? The next day I thought let me go and water it and counted 13 tomatoes. Wow, I thought so watering it consistently and being pruned through all the harsh circumstances allowed this plant to bear fruit.
For the past few months, I have been dreaming of fruits. Beautiful dreams of fruits being brought and gifted to me. I had absolutely no idea what all these dreams meant. As always I left it in the Lord’s hands as I am now on a part of my journey where surrender and rest is more vital than outcome.
As I walked to the Basil plant, I picked a few leaves and thought how I almost gave up on you Basil (the name of the plant) but all along with all the constant picking and pruning and the correct watering you too grew.
As I prepared my Coffee with a simple Basil and Tomato on Rye Bread (shop-bought tomato) I saw an old Faith for Daily Living Devotional dated December 2017. It fell out of an old journal (yes nothing happen by accident). It dealt with the Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness, Long-suffering, Goodness, Patience, Forbearance, etc. I sat and said out loud – Thank you, Jesus. It has been an intense Season but I get it. Thank you for your precious Word that sustained me – you were busy pruning me to Heal and Grow.
#transformedbygrace
