Part II - You Feel the Wind

In recent weeks here in Massachusetts we've had some incredible windstorms. Golf ball sized hail fell in the suburbs around Boston, trees snapped like twigs in microbursts, and power lines came down right across the Mass Pike. In the middle of the hot summery stretch of August, we were suddenly hearing storm reports of damages and power outages numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

I sat in my back yard watching the tall pines that line the property. Usually, the trees nudge my thoughts to the natural grace and survivor skills the Lord vested in nature. They somehow stand through decades of icy winters and long hot droughts in summer. Without complaining, they endure, whispering peace and serenity as they wave their aromatic scent in the breeze. 

I love these trees! Don't you? The freshly oxygenated air they supply enriches me. I meditate on God’s provisions of sun and rain to nourish the green earth. We always water the garden and make sure the flowers have access to sun. But wind? I never think about it. 

In the wake of the storms, it suddenly occurred to me that wind is another essential element. Of course the Father knew exactly what he was doing when he set these currents to work and ordered them to cover the earth.

The air is constantly in motion. Nor’easters, and westerlies, southern currents and cold fronts--everything in constant flux. It really is a weatherman’s delight of swirling patterns and movement. Nothing stands still. 

Have you ever wondered why? We don’t just have air to breathe. It is sent on a mission.

Temperatures rise and fall and huge masses of air sweep across the nations. They disperse rainclouds across the land, deliver seeds, and blow the chaff and dying leaves away. The air blows over the seas and cools the land. As I reflected on what the wind does for a tree, I realized there’s even more to the story, but you have to peer beneath the surface.

I’m always admiring trees but I never think about the roots. Their visual brilliance obliterates a massive underground foundation supporting the entire tree. This network of limbs spreads out farther than the weighty upper branches. But how do they penetrate the many obstacles of granite ledges and centuries-old layers of hard packed earth?

Wind! The force of air against leaves and branches rocks the tree and tugs at the roots, loosening the soil and making necessary room for the roots to stretch and grow.  Growing space is created by this God-given force, which in extreme cases of hurricanes or tornados, threatens to topple the entire tree.  But the very gales that threaten to destroy it, actually make it stronger.

In the spiritual realm, we have seasons, too. The testing and trials of my life are God-sent to build a wider foundation and deepen my spiritual roots. My obstacles and pressures are creating some growing space to exercise my spiritual muscles and apply God’s Word. Wiggle room for my faith! 

If your life feels like a constant swirl of conflicting patterns and obstacles, if it seems they threaten to undo or destroy you (we have a cunning foe), don’t give up! Go deeper. It’s okay to wiggle!

You will be okay. Persevere gracefully like the swaying trees. 

We can accept trials of many kinds because they lead to spiritual strength and maturity.

James 1:2-4 

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