The Gift

Someone brought me a gift.  They knew I loved Gardenia’s and they brought me a Gardenia to plant.  They took the time to carefully gather the roots and put them in the bottom of a grocery bag filled with fresh potting soil. It was watered and ready to be planted. 
It was time. 
But, I was busy and I put it away fully intending to get to it eventually. 
A week later, I realized it was still waiting to be planted.  In fact the bag had been ripped open and some of the soil had spilled out.  The roots were still there drying in the heat.  
It was a gift!  
I was on my way out the door to get to work, and I ran back in and asked my husband where the shovel was so I could plant it.  He knew I was in a hurry and he planted it for me and sent me a picture.   
It reminded me of another gift.  
God gave me a gift.  He knew I loved to write and He gave me a message to share.  This wasn’t a message I would have hand-picked but there is no other message in this world that gets my heart fluttering and pounding like the one he gave me. He healed me from the devastation of childhood sexual abuse, and He gave me the courage and passion to share it with others. He’s patiently walked with me and gently encouraged me every step of the way.  
It was time.  
I started the work, and then I hit a hard spot.  The hardest spot.  
And as hard as it was, I clearly saw His redemption and how he brought full circle healing to the absolute worst memory in my life.  It was gloriously painful.  
And I stopped. I closed it.  
I got busy, and I put it all away fully intending to get to it eventually.  
Just like the plant.  
The plant was a beautiful gift, but I needed to do something with it.  In order for it to flourish, I had to plant it in the rich soil, water it and tend to it. 
His gift to me also requires my attention and more importantly, my faith.  
His plan is my best gift for me, and at times I am guilty of thinking my plans are better. I am guilty of comparing my gifts to others and thinking I just don’t measure up. I don’t have what it takes. I am guilty of thinking why this gift? Why me? Why bother?
But, oh His grace.  When I think about His grace, I am reminded.  
His love and grace reminds me that He has redeemed me. He calls me by name. I am His. His daughter. He has washed me clean. I am not alone. I am wonderfully made. He knows all of my days. He has a plan, for me. By His power, not mine.  
Oh me of little faith! 
Today, I am planting His gift to me by faith.  By His strength, I will tend to it and for His glory may it flourish to bring beauty into the lives of others.  
It is time.  
Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! 1 Peter 4:11 MSG
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