God’s Beautiful Bouquet from Burdens and Brokenness
Only God can create a beautiful bouquet from burdens and brokenness.
The beautiful bouquet pictured here is actually three broken, dying plants. My life has been like that of late.
The first, a huge basket which once overflowed with colorful plants. My life was the same–every where I looked was joy and laughter and hope.
The second, a beautiful red geranium used to hang on the front porch, gaily swinging in the breeze. The plant, as did I, eagerly greeted passersby and visitors alike.
Thirdly, a perky yellow mandevilla stretched her way up a post, reaching toward the sky as if praising the Creator with every new bloom. My life, too, was full of activity and joy and color. Then came a little bump; then another, then another. Each little brokenness kept me from tending to daily chores. Without care, the plants began to wither and die.
Stress and busyness kept me occupied. No time to sit on the porch or water flowers. The withered geranium was taken down. Likewise, the mandevilla, with no water and no cords to climb, finally began to retreat.
Does your life feel that way? Stressed, strained, overwhelmed? I can tell you for a fact: God wants to build a beautiful bouquet from burdens and brokenness.
One day it was as if God said, “that’s enough crying! Trust Me!” Only a little dusty miller and other greenery had survived in the big basket. I plopped my frazzled geranium right in the middle of those struggling plants.
Then I moved enough dirt and roots in the geranium to squeeze in the mandevilla-still in its temporary pot. Carefully I picked off all the dead blooms and stems and began watering. God did the rest!
What old dead stuff are you hanging on to. Can you do a little weeding, even a little bit?
What is there you need to give to God? Let God build a beautiful bouquet from burdens and brokenness in your life.
My circumstances have not changed. In fact, they are worse than ever from a human perspective. Deadlines loom, water leaks and broken phones and other things still need fixed. Loved ones are in hopeless situations and I can’t be there to help.
But I know … I KNOW … Who makes bouquets from burdens and brokenness. He gives me peace, comfort, and direction. He will do that for you as well. Ask Him. Trust Him.
Hugs,
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I have so much to be thankful for but am fighting a personal battle at this time. Thanks for your post. So refreshing and helpful. Hugs back. 🙂
Shyre, thanks for commenting. We will always have battles, won’t we? Isn’t it great how God knits us together … His family … so we can encourage one another. Will certainly be praying for you as He builds His beautiful bokay in you! Love!
So true Amen!!!
Yes, Cheryl, amen, amen! He is growing a beautiful bokay in you as well; such challenges you face daily and still look Up! Sending hugs your way. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you sweet friend.
I am fighting battles also. Just like everyone else. I’m getting arthritis in my left arm and it tingles all the time. Then I fuss at God with ” Isn’t my back enough, do I have to tingle all the time too. He pats me on the back and tells me he’s got it, let go. Since March of this year I have been fighting with my home insurance company. The hail storm in march damaged my roof and my siding on the house. Since the siding is so old they have to replace the siding on the complete house at $21000.00 dollars. Insurance don’t like that. So here my roofer and I sit waiting on State Farm to “get off the pot” excuse my language. It’s been 8 months and I probably won’t have anything done by Christmas. I love you and I’m praying for all of you and for your family. Most of all I pray for health for you and my FAVORITE mister. I am so tired that I have been thinking of that one room shack on your back forty. Put it on posts up high so water don’t come in.
Love you
June.
June, “Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time!” No pains, no insurance adjusters, no leaky roofs! And JESUS! Thanks for your encouraging notes … and, the Mister says “the back forty doesn’t flood so come on over! Love and hugs back at you with continued prayers.
I am ready !!
Each day….There is a roof up above me, I have a good place to sleep, there’s food on my table, and shoes on my feet, you gave me your love Lord,and a fine family, thank you, Lord for all your blessings on me. Credit given to the writers!!Am glad you are a bokay in my life. Diana
Diana … singing along with you! Yes, yes, yes … much to be thankful for in the midst of our muddles! I pray these little notes will be an encouragement to so many. I pray for those without Jesus … that is the biggest loss of all. Thanks again!