Two years ago our son Steve sent me a beautiful hibiscus plant for Mother’s Day. It has been a joy to me both inside and outside in my garden. Suddenly it stopped blooming. My green thumb itched to prune it. I was ruthless. For a while, I thought I had killed it. One glorious day I noticed several new shoots sprouting. I know the new blossoms will be more lush than ever.  Pruning works that way.

PRUNING

This is a time for pruning,

A  life process to grow a lush bush.

Blossoms will bloom again in God’s timing.

God is never in a rush.

The hibiscus plant was growing.

Yet the blossoms had faded, then died.

So she pruned her bush for a season.

Every branch felt crucified.

The garden of her heart was in blossom.

Her offspring seemed lush with growth.

But God said, “It’s time for pruning.

My Spirit is refining you both.”

So she submitted to God’s ruthless pruning.

Her offspring encountered the same.

God had a plan and His purpose.

Blossoms would bloom once more in His Name.

Someday, the flowers will be forthcoming.

They will be even more refined than before.

God is in control of His pruning

And He couldn’t love you more!

Jan.3/06-MDB