To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I was also mystified. Plants that were definitely suited for my zone were dying, and I didn’t know why? Not enough water? Too much water? In my mind water was the only answer. But when I went to the nursery and checked with the gardener . . . guess what? I learned something.
First, I learned that even though the plants were definitely suited for our hot climate, they arrived from nurseries in the Bay Area, a much cooler climate. To buy one and immediately plant it puts the poor thing into shock.
Take it home, I was advised, and let it sit in a tub of water outside for a couple of days and get used to its new environment and heat. Then plant it and give it some Vitamin B-1 which will keep it from going into shock. Then, in a week’s time begin fertilizing, but only if the temperature is under 100.
I didn’t just want my plants to survive, I wanted them to thrive and be beautiful and healthy, so, I have followed the gardener’s directions, and, so far, so good.
Of course, I could see the spiritual implications. God doesn’t want us just to survive—He wants us to thrive. He said so in John 10:10 when Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.” (AMP) A life overflowing with blessings, like the flowers in the picture.
And though we may not see the process, we can be assured that as the Master Gardener, he doesn’t just plant us and leave us. He always prepares the soil ahead of time; He always provides a time of acclimation followed by encouragement and support and His constant presence.
BUT . . . I wasn’t wrong about the water. All the fertilizer and vitamins and attention would be useless without water. Water is the source of life. And for us, Jesus is the living water (John 4:10).
So enjoy where you are planted knowing that this particular place has been prepared for you in advance and that the Master Gardener is right beside you giving you exactly what you need when you need it. And don’t forget to DRINK UP!
If you have never heard Casting Crowns song “Thrive,” I have attached it for your enjoyment.
First, I learned that even though the plants were definitely suited for our hot climate, they arrived from nurseries in the Bay Area, a much cooler climate. To buy one and immediately plant it puts the poor thing into shock.
Take it home, I was advised, and let it sit in a tub of water outside for a couple of days and get used to its new environment and heat. Then plant it and give it some Vitamin B-1 which will keep it from going into shock. Then, in a week’s time begin fertilizing, but only if the temperature is under 100.
I didn’t just want my plants to survive, I wanted them to thrive and be beautiful and healthy, so, I have followed the gardener’s directions, and, so far, so good.
Of course, I could see the spiritual implications. God doesn’t want us just to survive—He wants us to thrive. He said so in John 10:10 when Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.” (AMP) A life overflowing with blessings, like the flowers in the picture.
And though we may not see the process, we can be assured that as the Master Gardener, he doesn’t just plant us and leave us. He always prepares the soil ahead of time; He always provides a time of acclimation followed by encouragement and support and His constant presence.
BUT . . . I wasn’t wrong about the water. All the fertilizer and vitamins and attention would be useless without water. Water is the source of life. And for us, Jesus is the living water (John 4:10).
So enjoy where you are planted knowing that this particular place has been prepared for you in advance and that the Master Gardener is right beside you giving you exactly what you need when you need it. And don’t forget to DRINK UP!
If you have never heard Casting Crowns song “Thrive,” I have attached it for your enjoyment.
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