2021 Daily Devotion - Day 388

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The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer God’s Heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
By: Dorothy Frances Gurney

In 2013, my mom passed away. Along with this garden poem, I received a beautiful plant. My mom was an avid gardener so this gift was extra special to me. Wanting it to survive, I kept it in the house. Unfortunately, the mother plant died a few years later, but before doing so, it created a sucker plant. So again, not wanting it to die, I transplanted, fertilized and kept it in the kitchen in a corner window; the best natural lighting in the house.

Fast forward to 2019, the sucker had grown but was not a healthy plant. As a last resort, I placed it outside thinking it would enjoy its remaining time in nature. In April of 2020, I noticed the plant had perked up; it stood taller and the leaves were a deeper green. They were thicker in stock and bright red baby leaves were growing in the center. I was delighted. The plant looked like it was going to live. A few days later, I discovered the red leaves I had seen were much more than what I had thought… when I looked closer, I saw the flower. In surrendering it back to nature, this beautiful plant had come full circle.

In trying to preserve, control and dictate the life of this plant, I almost lost it. Likewise, in my life, it is only when I surrender to God, He is able to do His work. Most definitely, His accomplishments will be greater than I could ever imagine.

Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Pray with me:
Father God, often we go on our way thinking we know what is best. We try to control every aspect of our daily lives. We don’t stop and ask You what is the best action to be taken or decision to be made; what is Your will? Please help us to surrender and rest in You with complete confidence in Your sovereignty. Through Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

In His service,
Patti May
Stephen Ministry
Mount of Olives Church
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