Well, I’ve managed to do it again. A couple of months ago I bought two hanging baskets overflowing with pink, white and purple Petunias. They were lush and elegant. They reminded me of a Summer wedding. I proudly hung them by my screened in porch, where I have slowly watched them deteriorate. Their demise began because I was certain that they were getting plenty of rain water. I noticed one day that the leaves were wilted and I checked, only to find that my poor little flowers were totally parched. I did my best to nurse them back to health, but then I went on vacation. My flowers were overlooked by the house sitter and they were definitely on a downward spiral when I got home. Since then, I avert my eyes whenever I walk past them. The guilt is almost too much to bare! I have murdered those beautiful flowers and no amount of TLC can bring them back now.
The other day I was driving through downtown and I noticed the hanging Petunia baskets that are all along Main street. They are gorgeous! They are healthy and thriving, and I know why. A retired farmer has the job of caring for these baskets. Every night while the rest of the town is sleeping, he drives down Main street in a truck with a big water tank. He gives those flowers a big old drink. Also, he fertilizes them once a week. His flowers are happy and full of life.
I guess it doesn’t take much to keep Petunias happy. Consistent watering and a little fertilizer every now and then isn’t too much to ask for. I’m going to try and do better next year!
Have you ever felt like a parched Petunia? I sure have! I feel that way when I am not having my daily quiet time. It’s like my spiritual tank is empty. I’m drained, I’m wilted and I’m just not happy. The Bible says that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. The branch simply can’t survive without the life that the vine brings.
I know that some of you moms are thinking, “I can’t even go to the bathroom alone! How can I spend time alone with God?” It takes some finagling, that’s for sure. For me, the only way it happens is if I wake up before anyone else, which means 5:00. It’s hard, but when I am faithful to do it, it’s worth it. That bit of time spent praying, reading the Bible, journaling and planning my day is not only refreshing, but it sets the tone for the rest of my day.
It also blesses my family. Believe me, they can tell when I have been abiding in the vine and when I haven’t been. When I am consistently keeping my morning appointment with God, I am more productive. I am more loving, I have more to give, I am more creative, I am more organized, I think more clearly and the list goes on.
Maybe it’s not practical for you to wake up at 5:00 a.m. Perhaps you are a night person and that is your best time to have some quiet time with God. Or, maybe your best time is in the afternoon when the kids are napping. If you don’t already have a set aside time that you spend in prayer and reading God’s word, I encourage you to find one. As a mom, dad, friend, sister, whatever, don’t you want to be someone who permeates spiritual life to those around you? This can only happen if you are connected to the life giving vine.