Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Out My Kitchen Window

Three flowering hydrangea trees line the side of my barn. Over the years they've displayed differing tendencies. The middle guy is large and healthy, standing upright, full of blooms, round and robust. Almost a perfect specimen.

To the left of him is the runt, his growth stunted by hazardous North Country winters. Falling ice crushed him one February. That spring I gently pruned and staked him to regain stature. For two summers he worked to catch up, but as would often be the case he was again subjected to winter's cruelty. Ice from the roof above fell once again, leaving his trunk broken completely off. For three summers I have left him untouched, watching numerous shoots grow up, pinching here and there but not knowing how to help. This year, with encouragement from an experienced gardener, I severely pruned, bound the small remaining branch to a sturdy stake and waited. Two months later he is small (maybe 1/8 the size of his neighbor) but proud, boasting several large cream tinged with pink clumps of blossoms. He shows great promise. I am expectant and excited!

At the end of the row is my wayward friend, full grown and laden with blooms but insisting on tilting in an unfashionable angle. Late in the spring I found a large stake. Driving it into the ground I struggled to force him into an upright position. Tying him to the stake I could feel his pull against his new confinement. Now, with branches drooping from the weight of innumerable blooms, he is bowing over, almost touching the ground. It is clear; I will need a much bigger stick with heavy, thorough binding if I hope to get him in line. And I do still hope to get him in line. His blooms are beautiful; once he is upright and in proper position his presence will lend a perfect completion to my little line-up.

How like my little hydrangea trees we all are.

How faithful is He in knowing and doing that which is right for each one of us.

Lord, I want to bloom fully, produce beauty, and stand proudly and uprightly as You desire. I know I need the touch of your hand, the care of the Master in my life. Whatever it takes, Lord. Whatever it takes.

4 Comments:

Blogger Jenn said...

What a great blog... it brought tears to my eyes...joyful and truthful feeling have struck my heart.

7:35 AM  
Blogger thisrequiresthought said...

thanks for being so transparent in your sharing.

it's one of the qualities I appreciate in you.

love you!

9:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I relate to all three of your trees during different seasons in my life. You are such an encouragement to me...so deep with richness in so many, many areas of life, the Lord, just so many things. Thank you for being there for me with your kind words and your prayers over the past several years (did I say several? Wow!). Ron and I have been through much, and you and Rick have been such good friends to both of us. Thank you for this post. I love you Darlene, I really do. May God bless you abundantly over and over and over again.
Much Love, Nancy C.

8:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

canada goose black friday
cheap uggs
ugg boots sale
ugg boots clearance
cheap ugg boots
cheap uggs for sale
ugg boots clearance sale
ugg sale
ugg boots on sale
ralph lauren outlet
uggs on sale
barbour jacket
dansko shoes
kate spade
discount uggs
discount uggs
ugg boots for women
ugg outlet
cheap uggs
cheap ugg boots uk
ugg black friday sale
ugg boots on sale
ugg australia sale uk
ugg boots sale
p90x workout
roshe run
uggs for sale
kevin durant shoes
cheap uggs
nike uk
ugg sale
genuine ugg boots
ugg boots cheap
michael kors uk
coach outlet online

3:52 AM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home