Unrelenting drought conditions and searing temperatures prompted federal officials Thursday to declare more than half of Indiana and nearly a third of the nation a natural disaster area for ranchers and farmers, who have watched their crops wilt with each dry day. Indianapolis Star
Let me start with the fact that although I live in Indiana, I am not a farmer. I simply care for an assortment of perennials surrounding my patio while adding a few pots of annuals for a splash of color. And this year, that's been quite difficult.
I can't imagine the impossible task of trying to sustain acres and acres of crops when I am struggling to keep these small patches alive. I miss the green grass and the variations of color and depth as my patio flower garden transforms itself throughout each season. To be honest, I've pretty much given up on the perennials for this year... but I keep at the daily practice of watering my pots daily. I'm still hoping for some days where the sky opens up and offer some much needed long summer showers.
I think if you were to peel back the layers of my soul you find a similar landscape. I must say I feel a bit dry and if you get close you might notice the edges are a bit brittle.
The landscape of life continues to shift.
We celebrated 25 years of marriage this year. (that's a quarter of a century if you're counting)
Our first son is a college graduate and has moved to Boston (at least temporarily).
Our girl begins her 2nd year at Purdue University and will move in a few weeks.
And our youngest started Driver's Ed and begins high school.
A couple of dear friend's bodies are broken in need of healing.
A parent continues to battle a degenerative disease that has taken it's toll over the past several years.
Some shifts bring excitement and anticipation.
Some shifts bring sadness and grief.
Some bring both.
In the midst of the changes and hard stuff of this life- I choose trust. And I find relief when I lean into God's arms and relying on Him to replenish my soul. Or at least I try.
7"But blessed are those
who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8They are like trees
planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees
are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves
stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8
praying for rain.
Amen Sister-Friend. I too choose trust because the alternative is a drought too vast to contemplate. I choose to believe God has his hand in my life (and yours!) and has plans. I choose to believe God looks at me far more tenderly than I view myself. And I choose to believe he sees the garden when I only see dry ground. Thanks for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to know the "rain-giver" when you are in the midst of drought: To know that He sees beyond the drought and knows and loves with an unfailing love those of us who are parched and longing for refreshing rain. And when we know that He is completely trustworthy, we can feel the rain even in the midst of the drought.
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