Funny thing how we can get used to something we thought we never would, knowing that it's only for a while. Until things change. These times of deep changes are always the start of something better. "Nobody likes changes but a wet baby". But even the wet baby will most likely voice a loud complaint while going thru the process.
Process - now there is a word encompassing endless possibilities, twists and turns, surprises and unexpected sequence of events - a word full of promises, if we allow for it to finish. That is to say, if we wait. Another difficult word...
A while ago I bought tiny clay pots with little pellets of dry soil and divers small bulbs - anemones, crocuses and hyacinths. I followed the directions on the labels, not sure how it would turn out. After all they didn't look like much all dried up... shriveled up...
I planted a few, gave them a home on the windowsill in my dining room. Others are here at work, by the kitchen window. And guess what? The bulbs are sprouting, pushing thru the dirt!
It took a while, and I almost tossed some of them out, thinking they just might have stayed dried too long. No, it was part of the process. The process took longer than I was willing to wait. Good thing I gave it a few more days.
Going thru the process... I don't like it. I can do it, it will only last for a while. It's gonna be fine. The grain of wheat has to be buried and die for the stalk to emerge, in the fullness of time...
I have a notion to dig up some science books and read again how in nature some processes take several years. Why, we are all still a work in progress! Just look in the mirror, the mirror in your heart...
23 comments:
Great post!!!
The promise is worth the process!!!
Hi Catherine,
You said so very well in this post what I tried to show in my post on Alice Liddell... Something bothers me, though, a technicality, really... The grain of wheat must not die for the plant to develop! I know this saying is very ancient, and people had no idea how nature works in those days, that must be the reason why they believed the grain dies.
G.
We humans are so overanxious. No wonder that many times we miss the results because we don't allow God to work in His time to complete the beauty. Catherine, it's a great post.
Pastor,
The strength of keeping our eyes on the promise...
Gilles,
Nice to hear from you.
I'm so glad that you could relate. I didn't quit get that message from your recent post on Alice Lidell.
Well it's what you call a technicality.
In reality what happens is that the seed ceases to be just that - a seed. It then gives place to the "big picture", the end result if you please. Therefore "dies to itself". It does not disappear altogether but gives itself to become part of the amazing work of God - Nature - and fulfill a greater plan.
J'espère avoir éclairé ma pensée et te donner une petite réponse à une grande question. Je
comprends très bien d'où tu viens.
Amicalement,
Catherine
Karen,
Yes, how many times do you shortchange ourselves because we fret.
Catherine,
I wanted to show how Alice Liddell-Hargreaves at 80 is in some way the same person as the child Alice at 7. The victory of identity over time, il you will.
Gilles
Great post, Catherine. Some things just take time, but oh how we humans hate to wait. This reminded me of an experience I had a few years ago. Because I had almost instant success getting some marigolds to grow, I decided to try planting an avocado pit. I watered it, gave it sunlight and checked on it daily. It seemed like nothing was ever going to happen, and I almost checked it, thinking that I had failed. Finally after over 2 weeks, I began to see a little green shoot poping up. Unfortunately, I think this impatience carries over into our spiritual lives too. Sometimes we may feel like we want to give up praying for someone, teaching them, etc. because things just don't seem to be happening in their lives. May God help us not to be guilty of giving up to soon when His purpose is just about to unfold.
Gilles,
Right, Alice didn't "disappear" in the process.
But imagine if she grew old without getting past the age of 7...
Carol,
Farmers and gardeners have a better sense of "waiting". The Bible does instruct us to wait on the Lord. You encouraged me. Merci!
Catherine said :
But imagine if she grew old without getting past the age of 7...
But Jesus […] said "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
— Luke 18: 16
This reminded me of this post.
Gilles,
Little children... they simply believe. Us adults like to take things apart, try to figure everything out... While we strive to keep this child-like faith, we mature and acquire knowledge, understanding, wisdom, experience, without losing the awe of the first personal encounter with Jesus.
The Word of God is referred to as :
"A lamp unto my feet (for steps) and a light unto my path (for the way). Psalms 119:105 KJV
And also:
"For thou art my lamp, O Lord:and the Lord will lighten my darkness" . 2 Samuel 22:29 KJV
Je suis heureuse que nous puissions "parler" un peu plus. Je commence à mieux te connaître et espère pouvoir toujours apporter quelque chose de valeur dans ta vie.
Catherine
Little children… they simply believe.
This article in The New Scientist agrees with you.
Gilles,
Thank you for the link. There is a lot to read and I'll get back to you. I appreciate it much.
You know, there is a place in the heart of every human being, reserved...
People may search all their days to fill that void...
I know, I did, since before my teens. But no more.
Bonne nuit chez toi. Plutôt bonjour :)
"That is to say, if we wait. Another difficult word..."
I'm waiting for your next post... You didn't write anything since February 26? You've been very busy?
Spring is finally here (in Montréal): 14°C today and there's something almost romantic about April Showers. No Amaryllidaceæ (Snowdrops) yet, thought.
Gilles,
Mon ami,merci pour la visite. Non, j'ai été malade, prenais des médicaments qui me laissaient la tête dans les nuages, Je dormais 16, 18 même 20 heures par jour. Ceci depuis le week-end du 7 Mars. Je ne suis pas encore de retour au travail, Je marche encore un peu de travers, mais tout suit une course pour un rétablissement complet!
At the time I posted, I had no idea this was on the agenda of my life! I promise to write soon. :)
I'm sorry to hear that you were ill. Nothing too serious, I hope?
Don't go back to work just yet, take good care of yourself, so many young people (and others not so young) need you!
G.
I had a serious staph infection that settled in my thigh. The problem was that I didn't know what was going on and waited a couple of days. By then it was pretty bad. The procedure was excruciating and left me wiped out. Then massive antibiotics, pain medication etc... But yes, it is Spring! Today I sat on the swing in the garden and watched birds feeding their babies. My rabbit was playing with our pregnant cat, the air smelled of jasmine. Love it!!!
Reminds me of how a pearl becomes a pearl. The process is certainly painful isnt it?
Yes, it's painful. But the end result... If we can keep our eyes there, we can all endure!
God bless you Graceful Threads,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I hope everything's fine and that this infection you suffered from has disappeared.
I just want to point out to you this poster:
http://carnetsfg.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/what%C2%A0goes%C2%A0around%C2%A0comes%C2%A0around/
Personally I think the image (in fact there's three in all) is worth a thousand words (of course) but also is easier to remember than words.
G.
Hi Gilles,
The poster is better than any message, you are right.
My health, well no infection. But it seems I just can't get back on the right track. I guess the older you are the longer it takes. New perspective on "Spring chicken" expression, they recover overnight!!! Sort of LOL
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