Ready to Bloom

Lately I have been out of sync. Not able to concentrate as well and my prayer times are unclear too. Today though, I was praying in my bedroom and during the prayer I was briefly distracted, or so I thought, as I began thinking about the roses I planted a couple of weeks ago.

Two weeks ago I decided to buy 5 rose bushes and plant them in a bare spot beside my house. I had never planted rose bushes before, and proceeded to plant them just like every other flower or shrub. But later that night a friend mentioned how difficult roses can be to plant and take care of. I did some quick research and soon realized that I had not taken this project as seriously as I should have. After reading some good tips, I went and purchased some compost (aka manure) and some bananas. I also dug out some coffee grounds. According to some rose bush enthusiasts, roses love bananas and coffee grounds.

So, I dug up the newly planted roses and replaced some of the dirt around them with compost, baked banana peels and coffee grounds. I also put some peat moss around the top of the soil for added moisture absorption. After my research and hard work, last week I had yellow and red roses blooming.

Back to the prayer. God brought the roses to my attention to show me that planning and care that I put into the roses (which was a lot more than anything else I planted) was the same level of commitment and care He put into his plan for me. It was good to hear that, although I wondered how the banana peels factored into my spiritual life. (;

A New Level of Complaining

At the beginning of this year, we did a series at church entitled 24. We had 5 challenges that were 24 themed. One challenge was 24 hours without complaining. Once you started the challenge, anytime you failed, you had to start over. It took me a several tries before I made it the entire 24 hours. Even though I really dislike others complaining, this exercise helped me realize how much complaining I did myself.

Right now I am reading through Jeremiah, and as I read through chapter 20 earlier this week, I was struck by Jeremiah's complaint in chapter 20. Jeremiah, amidst his ranting, cries out to God, "I wish I was never born." Now that is a new level of complaining. I know I have had my fair shair of "pity parties," as my mother would call them, but those complaints would never reach the point that Jeremiah arrived at in his prophetic journey.

As I reflected on Jeremiah's statement, I realized that there is some good perspective to draw from it. First, as bad as it may get for me, I will probably not have an entire city/country that hates me and criticizes me. As difficult as things may get, I have plenty of friends and supporters that God has put around me. The other thing that Jeremiah's complaint has brought to my attention is that during our lowest points in life it is important to be open and honest with God, but to do so with an attitude of honor and love for God. In this same rant, Jeremiah makes it clear that, "the Lord is with him like a mighty warrior," and that we should praise Him who will rescue those in need.

So, thanks Lord, for staying right by my side and listening to my many complaints. Help me to remember that you are the "Mighty Warrior" that is ready to fight my battles for me.