This is the African violet I gave my grandmother on Mother's Day in 2001.On January 2nd, 2009, exactly six years to the day after the passing of Craig's grandfather, Grandma Kling entered into eternal life, too.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:15-17
To me, this violet is a reminder of the true meaning of life. When I gave this plant to my grandmother nearly eight years ago, it was a small, young plant needing nurturing and care for growth. Through the years, with the love and attention from my grandmother, it has grown and flourished and bloomed regularly, much like what parents provide for their young children.
Though recently, the plant has been through a period of pruning and sparse growing.
Don't we all go through some period in our life that felt as if we're unproductive and trying to find our way? Some of us stay in that time longer than others. Though once we've experienced the pruning in our life and have found our way, new life begins and we can once again flourish.
I went to water the plant today and noticed these beautiful blooms! I was filled with hope that this plant will once again return to its healthy state of life.
Although Grandma Kling has left this earthly life, I know she lives. She is living a glorious, eternal life with our Savior! With the forgiveness and grace of our Father, we too will live an eternal life, not because we deserve it, but because we believe in Him and that He died for our sins, and therefore, we will not perish.
I feel this post is scattered. I've been rolling around ideas through my head all day and finally decided to publish what I've come up with. Although it may not be the most eloquent, fluent post I've ever written, I pray the message I'm seeking to convey is clear.
2 comments:
beautiful my friend! Neat storry!
Very encouraging! My mother used to raise African violets (by the dozens) and I think they are so beautiful. I tried to keep a couple alive, but I could never make them bloom so magnificently as she. I have 3 GORGEOUS amarylis plants that started blooming in my front yard that I had completely ignored (and forgotten) about. I thought, "I don't deserve such beautiful flowers. I didn't do anything to help them grow." It's like the Lord... he showers beauty on us even though we didn't do anything to deserve it!
Post a Comment