How Much Time Does it Take?

How much time does it take for a flower to bloom? Weeks? Days?

Perhaps we should be thinking more in terms of millennium since the first seed, the true progenitor, got its start in the Garden of Eden! For us to see even one bloom in our lifetime, it is only possible after a million generations of seeds have fallen into the earth to be buried in the ground. 

The fall always precedes the bloom. Just like the story of mankind, with all its dips and sorrows. With all our pain and loneliness… all of it. 

God knows. He is still in it with us, through struggle, through loss, through every pain and failure. Ever present, ever-loving God even sent the mighty cherubim angels to guard the gates of Eden lest we get stuck in a fallen state forever. Merciful Father! Thank God he set every season in order and guides us through! 

After a seed falls to the ground, there follows winter. What? Is this really necessary Father? More pain? More solitude? It is a long cold season in the dark soil--all in God's purpose. A wilderness to that tiny body. Sealed up with all its hopes and dreams that look so impossible and unattainable in the bleakest stretch. As temperatures plummet and tiny birds shiver in the nest, the whole earth turns frigid and feels so far from God. It's a time when questions surface like the Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 121, "Where does my help come from?" And time to recall to mind that there are greater forces at work than meet the eye... "My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth!" 

Every man is out for himself, going with gusto, and perfectly willing to drag you along. Some have even stomped on the little seed, pushing it further and deeper into the earth. But to the surrendered heart, there is but one choice. 

The seed must wait. In God I have put my trust. He is my Rock and my shelter!  I will cling to my faith and look to my Savior. Though my strength has failed and I don't understand, He knows my heart, He knows my need and He CARES for me! He is able to sustain and keep me until the bitter end. 

At last the storms pass, the ice melts, and the earth is bathed in the fresh rain waters of spring. The soil is drenched and warmed in the sun of God's faithfulness. The little pod has been softened and its hard self-centered shell has broken open. All arguments are done, all self-effort abolished, pride has been squashed. Somehow it has all transformed into a tender new shoot that is inching up through the rich soil. Brokenness is the most sacred truth of all, for God opposes the proud but uplifts the humble. 

In the same way, Jesus Christ was put down and nailed to a cross before he could be raised up. His body was broken like the bread of communion we celebrate..  and out of his death came life for all who believe and accept it.  He was nailed, punctured with thorns, torn and beaten, even his beard savagely ripped from his face, so that we could receive the benefit of his resurrection. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 

a coral hibiscus bigger than my hand

Spring has come! And so, the tiny seed emerges with new life and begins its journey toward that sun. I believe! My hope takes flight! 

Then when a flower opens its perfect petals, it is a pure gift, like this coral hibiscus in my garden.  Such a sweet offering from the One who designed this world to be colorful and fragrant and adorned so lavishly. Even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. (Mt 6:29)  



The way I see it, every flower stands as a remarkable declaration of the Lord of beauty. Since the beginning of creation, God set these little seeds in motion to remind us that life and beauty emerge from the smallest and darkest beginnings. 

2 of my grandkids in my garden

I want to bring my colors, my stories, my particular expression and voice, like a flower filled with the sweet aroma of Jesus. (2 Cor 2:14-17)  I want to spread joy in the world, don't you?

If you are waiting for something, whether it be healing, help, or even a husband, remember the flowers. Their grace and beauty blossom only after enduring God's appointed seasons.  His plans for you are perfect, but it's going to take time. 

Psalm 37