Surprise Me!

Spring!  Buried seeds emerge.  Sleeping plants awaken.  I awaken…  awaken to hope.

We moved into a new home last spring, and I soon noticed the yard didn’t host a single flower in any bed…NOT ONE!  The yard certainly didn’t have a shortage of  shrubs and trees of every sort but…NO FLOWERS!

Last fall’s speaking schedule didn’t permit me to change the situation for this coming spring.  With the exception of five  little peony roots I quickly buried in the soil one fall afternoon, I simply resolved that I’d  have to wait another year before I would be welcomed by spring’s sweet colors.

Winter’s chill came, snow covered the ground, the landscape hardened, and I totally forgot about those five little roots until… the land thawed and the memory revived.  It was then that I began to question where I had put those little fellas.

In a search for any sign of my personal planting success,  I began a daily routine of walking the yard, pushing away winter’s debris of needles and branches… hoping, waiting, wondering …would they break through?  Did they survive?   I must humbly admit, my horticultural knowledge is a bit lacking.   I wasn’t  fully certain I would recognize a peony stalk or it’s  leaf if  it  emerged?

…Finally.   Something caught my eye.  As I moved aside a few needles I noticed life breaking through the soil.  It’s appearance was different than  I had anticipated,  but it had to be one of my little plants.

Just a few feet past the first sign of growth, I uncovered yet another?  Horticulturist or not, something didn’t look right!

…and I knew something was peculiar when my eye caught these little beauties…

Overwhelmed,  I burst through the door and hollered for my  husband to come quickly.  He patiently and nonchalantly joined me outside to observe the mystery.  It wasn’t until my questioning eyes searched his face for answers that I noticed his ear to ear grin.  He had planted hundreds of bulbs with my son while I was on the road.  They were now bursting through the soil, declaring, “SURPRISE!”   and my own heart burst with joy!

I now pause daily  to fully appreciate the unfolding of these treasured surprises.

I’m  captivated by the lessons they provide me of  our Father’s love.  While we’re moving in the mundane affairs of our daily grind,  He is intently watching our life and bursting with love, anticipating the joy He prepares well in advance for us to share.  Our unspoken longings quake in our Father’s ears.  He plans surprises we’re too timid to ask for.  His love breaks through the thawing soil of our souls in countless tender ways,  simply to see the eyes twinkle again, the smile broaden across our face.

Friend, has the winter of your soul been a long one…a harsh one? May I assure you,  God prepared in advance for it.  He knelt low, planted deep, sowed surprises before the chill winds froze.  With you… He now waits.  He watches.  He anticipates.  He knows.  Sprouts will emerge as the frozen ground of your own soil thaws in surrender to  the penetrating warmth of His Son.  Hope will burst forth in tender, brilliant colors that will take your breath away!

Spring has arrived.  Ground gives way to new life!  The robin returns.  Oh, listen, dearly loved friend…Was her cheerful melody sent just  for you?  As we embrace these simple songs as gifts from the Father, we recognize the chords of a faint melody emerging in our own soul… the child-like song rises  from within, “Surprise me, today, Father.  Surprise me!”   I dare you to whisper it. …I dare you to enjoy the many ways He will!

By the way…the peonies just broke through:

Today’s Anchor of Hope:  Psalm 69:32  The humble will see their God at work and be glad.  Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged!

 

Reflection Questions:

1.  In what ways have you walked through a winter season of your soul?

2.  What would it look like for “life” to burst forth in  your situation?

3.  Watch for ways God surprises you with  His love today.   I’d love to hear about it!