The Green Growth

By: carole l. haines

Those everyday irritants, the ones that tweak our nerves, rub us the wrong way, cause us to bite our tongues; these are a lot of what causes us to grow. The simple joys of the first Spring Robin hopping in our yard. and bringing several friends with him; these are what produce contentment.  The unexpected joy of seeing a fox kit romping in the field as we drive by at twilight. Or perhaps a new deer fawn, still sporting its spots, these are what bring delight and momentary joy. My husband has always said that a baby’s laughter is the purest sound in the world, and he is a musician and sound-smith. This morning I awoke with the thought of the new green growth in my gardens outside. Stalks, bulbs, perennials; all beginning to come to life, pushing their way through the packed down soil from Winter’s rain and snow, and Autumns layer of leaves..

WS I felt impatient for a moment, wanting so much to see the blooms.  That’s when it struck me, the green growth is the most important part above the soil. First the seed in the ground, which miraculously contains all the growth potential.  Then, there are the roots shooting down, reaching for water and nutrients in the soil.  Next are the stalks, those first shoots, the strong parts of the plant that carry the leaves. They become stronger as they push through the packed down dirt and debris.  Then we have the leaves which collect the sunlight, allowing the plant to produce its food needs in chlorophyll. And finally, after all that, we have the blooms.

I’m an impatient gardener sometimes, I want the blooms right away. But those roots and the green growth are actually the more needed things on the plant.  Even the blooms have their purpose, producing pollen, and eventually going to seed to start all over again.

That green growth, the everyday happenings of our lives, produce what we need for God to bring forth the Beautiful Blooms in our lives.  God is so good to teach us so much in nature.  It reminded me of the verses from Romans 5:1-8 NASB:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵ and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

⁶ For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So thank You, Father for the Green Growth in our everyday lives.