Last spring, I went to a nursery and bought plants. I had a plethora of pots and hanging baskets filled with all manner of plants. I managed to keep the plants alive and blooming throughout last summer. Some of the plants loved our hot dry summer, others were not so thrilled. I spent dollars and hours on the plants. The sacrifice was worth it.
The same nursery dude assembled a greenhouse in my backyard. I’m certain you remember the article about the greenhouse taking off during a thunderstorm. Greenhouse 2 is staked down and has remained secure.
I thought keeping flowers thriving in the spring and summer was hard work. I was wrong. All the plants are now in the greenhouse. I didn’t know I had so many plants. I have filled up a 10 x 20 foot greenhouse. Admittedly the ferns take up much of the space. They reside in the center of the greenhouse so their fronds don’t accidentally touch the walls of the greenhouse. Fern fronds will burn easily. The ferns are nice and green and new fronds pop up each day. The shade plants are hiding under the ferns. The plants that want full sun have the joys of ultraviolet light. They are all watered and receive regular fertilizer. So far, the plant kingdom is happy.
I am also propagating plants. I have discovered it is cheaper to grow an air plant from an air plant you grew all summer. I have mature plants and baby plants in the green house. Where are all these plants going to do this spring?
Here’s the thing, I am learning, plants take time and resources to survive a Louisiana winter. I’m working harder on the plants in the greenhouse than I did when these plants were decorating the yard.
I have an investment in these plants and a commitment to keep them healthy. I think the banker in my life has also cut off my access to the checking account. I’m going to work hard this winter and enjoy the flowers this spring and summer. I will do it under budget since there is no budget.
Jesus put it this way, “If you put your hand to the plow and look back, you are not worthy of the kingdom.” He was not just taking about plowing a straight row. Jesus wanted to remind us of something important. The goal is ahead. The prize is out there too. Keep your head down, keep plugging away, keep working. You got this! Your hard work, your plugging away will pay dividends. We are all working for a better tomorrow and in Jesus’ name, perseverance and plugging away, will be rewarded.
Amid your hard work, Jesus is saying, “You’ve got this, because I’ve got you!” Your sacrifice, in Jesus’ name, are the seeds that will grow into something beautiful.
