There were a few tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils planted by one of the previous residents, so we carefully dug up their bulbs and stored them to plant next fall.
THERE'S SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL ABOUT SAVING LIFE THAT IS ALREADY PRESENT.
IronMan and I started digging, ripping, hoeing, and pulling grass, dandelions, clover, nettle (OUCH!), and whatever else was growing green and tall and strong. This flower bed was a mess, but then I came across a plant that caused me to pause.
My gut told me to stop! I don't think this is a weed. I quickly snapped a picture and texted it to a friend that is far more plant savvy than me. "Is this a weed? I think it's a plant. What do you think?" I did some research on the internet (thank God for Google). My highest hope... could it be, might it be, will it be a Black-eyed Susan? I have this thing about BLACK-EYED SUSANS, and this plant looked familiar...like in a Black-eyed Susan sort of way. I emailed another friend. "Is there any chance this might be a Black-eyed Susan? What do you think it is? Maybe it's a weed?" With the expert advice from my two gracious horticulture friends, I decided to replant this life and see what happens. All three of us were in agreement that we didn't believe it was a weed, but it is impossible to know what it is until...
UNTIL IT BLOOMS.
The poor plant drooped for two days to the point of looking near death. I watered it, I worried over it, but it wasn't happy. Thankfully, the rains came and the sun warmed its leaves. It perked up!
I planted a pretty purple friend next to it. All I can do is wait and see what this mystery plant will be. I researched every kind of Black-eyed Susan variety to see if the leaves match. Some look the same and some look different. There is no way of knowing what it will be... until it blooms.
SOMETIMES YOU DON'T KNOW HOW BEAUTIFUL SOMETHING WILL BE UNTIL YOU PATIENTLY AND LOVINGLY GIVE IT CARE, GIVE IT ITS BEST CHANCE, AND WAIT TO SEE IT BLOOM.
I got to thinking. This plant is a little bit like us, isn't it? We don't really know what we are or who we will be until we bloom, either. But all of our life experiences, tenderness and care from those around us...from God, rainy times, sunny times, droughts, and famine, they all make us who we are. Sometimes, I think we bloom over and over again, as I expect this plant will do, and each passing year, we will have stronger roots and more blossoms. Growing, progressing beauty.
I don't know for certain if this plant will be a Black-eyed Susan or not, but I'm attached to it now. I don't think my flower bed would be complete without it. Whatever it will reveal itself to be will be perfect.
THERE IS SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL ABOUT SAVING LIFE THAT IS PRESENT, INDEED.
All is grace,
