Each Life

by Shauna Brown 

     I smile as I think of the great blessing friends and neighbors have meant in my lifetime. Upon reflection I can see the many faces that have been planted within my growing garden. Since early childhood some have blossomed right beside me. They have shared the water, the light, and we grew together. Some stood taller than I, and caused me to reach and seek the sun. I had a few that bloomed for what seemed a few moments, their petals faded, withered and fell, but still, I remember their once vivid colors of hope and faith, as they played their part within my garden.  I am forever grateful for those that have encouraged me, by their words,and often their example, that helped me see the possibilities within.  I thrived, and sent forth new budding bursts of growing confidence.   Oh, how grateful I am that I was planted in the garden intended by God.     

Just the other morning I was talking with my oldest daughter, Heather, about the blessing it is to be surrounded with family and friends. I shared how many times I haved gleaned lessons from those planted beside me. Some of them unaware of my needs, yet, they strengthened me.  

        Life naturally stirs those up and down moments, and so there were times I  felt intensely scorched with life’s challenges. Gratefully, there were those who were timely planted in my garden to shade me and give me reassuring confidence and hope.  Timely conversations have literally lifted me from moments of wavering faith. It was as if a good drenching of faith was poured around my roots and thankfully, it penetrated deep. Some have cheered me on, extending a few words that held me. Some have been there to just stand beside as support. Because of them, their experiences, their wisdom, insight, and their willingness to reach out and share, I grew.  I grew taller and sought for greater light. We are meant to help one another grow and develop. Blooming where we are planted is essential to life.  Clearly, time and time again, I have been watered and nurtured by so many in my purposefully, planted gardens. I have marveled how the Master Gardner, knew just who I needed planted beside me. I have been impressed how many have come, touched, fertilized and nurtured my seedling soul.

Karen Lynn Davidson, a good friend planted within my husband’s garden during college, wrote lyrics to a song that I believe reflects my thoughts. 

  

 Each life that touches ours for good

Each life that touches ours for good. 

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above    

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

     Yes, if everyone realized how “Blooming where you are planted,” can be life lifting, enriching, and can often make a difference. Well,  we should bloom bigger.  May I testify that I continue to be blessed by those who share. It is because of their  lasting influence - I value the growing seasons, and our Masterful Gardner even more.  

“I love my garden, and I love working in it. To potter with green growing things, watching each day to see the dear, new sprouts come up, is like taking a hand in creation, I think. Just now my garden is like faith - the substance of things hoped for.” 

~ Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s House of Dreams

Take a moment and look into those faces that surround you, and know God planted them near for a purpose--perhaps it is your purpose.

Enjoy this Sabbath Day of Wonderful

Love Always,

Shauna