Last Friday, Doug and I experienced a beautiful day with a great friend at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. This is just one of the magnificent flowers we saw. As I gaze at each bloom in all their glory I am reminded of the process which births such beauty. Every flower in the garden began either as a seed or a bulb in a mound of dirt. I realize I may be simplifying the process too much, but stick with me.
I started out in much the same way, a misshaped bulb in "The Ultimate Gardener's" hand. Over time, "The Ultimate Gardener" shaped me and molded me into the person I am today. The storms of life came and went. The rains poured and the floods gushed by. Many times the force of the winds blew me over. I've been stepped on, crushed, and nearly killed by those who thought I was useless and stupid. Yet, "The Ultimate Gardener" would not let me die.
Today, I continue to put one foot in front of the other toward the place God is calling me. While embracing where I have been I have a renewed strength and courage to move forward. My God, "The Ultimate Gardener has a plan for both me and you. He loves me and He loves you, too!
Don't be discouraged if you feel battered, bruised, or wilted. Whether your feet are soggy or you are experiencing a deep drought. Cling to "The Ultimate Gardener." He will complete what He began in your heart in the very beginning of time!
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea Bowling Perdue
