Flowers by Mom

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Genesis 2:15

     We moved into our new, ranch-style, brick home during the bitter cold month of February. We waited impatiently for the Michigan sun to break through and bring us spring days. With the flurry of activity that was typical of our family of six, soon to be seven, time did fly. Before we knew it, we found ourselves with not only spring but a new baby boy to add to our family.

     Time management with now five boys proved to be quite challenging for me. While the outside of our home was pleasant enough, I dreamed of seeing colorful flowers mixed in with the bushes.  However, I was far from being able to plant the flowers I silently wished lined the front of our home because my postpartum body just wasn’t at a place yet to accomplish this dream. My struggles did not go unnoticed by my mom. In addition to the care she gave the boys, she always made time to check on her baby, me. Now, my mom had a passion for planting flowers and creating the most beautiful flower beds in the world (that’s my vote, anyway). Since spring was finally here, she was busily planning and planting her flower beds. Knowing how much it would mean to me, my mother offered to plant flowers for us as well.

     I remember gathering the three younger children to head out to the front yard with my mom as the older two ran to the backyard to shoot some baskets. The youngest rested in an infant seat placed in the grass. The other two little ones played in the dirt, helping to prepare it for the flowers Grandma would soon be planting. Having just had a baby, I wasn’t going to be much help. Mom positioned a chair in the perfect spot for me to see the kids as well as the planting process she was about to undertake.

     The older boys took a break from shooting hoops to unload flats of flowers from her trunk. They resumed playing, and she began putting her plan into action. She pulled weeds, dug holes, and placed plants in the dirt. I sat amazed as she seemed to do so with such ease. She even kept two playful boys, who insisted on helping, entertained.

     After many trips inside for diaper changes, water breaks, and walks around the yard, the flower planting project was complete. We all stepped back and soaked in the meticulous way mom had created a paradise right there in our yard. Bright red petunias waved in the breeze as stark yellow marigolds stood strong. Dashes of purples and whites against the backdrop of green bushes created a glimpse of heaven.

     “Yay, Grandma!” one tiny voice yelled out. Another, too young to create many words, jumped up and down clapping. The excitement rang to the back of the yard, and the two older boys came running over to see what the cheering was about.

     Upon looking at the garden, they too were amazed. Going over to hug Grandma, they both greeted, “Thank you, Grandma! Wow, this is amazing!”

     We all stood, side-by-side, admiring the gift my mom had just given us.

     It is such a blessing when someone invests in us. The gift is especially appreciated when they pay extra attention to details. It makes us feel good inside and valued as we soak in the fact they found us important enough to spend their time blessing us.

      First John 3:1 says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” Just as my mom lavished me, her daughter, with her love by planting those flowers, God loves you so much that he refers to you as His own child. I just love that truth! He knows you intimately and understands every part of you. He knows exactly what details of your life need some extra care and additional love. He knows how to make your sometimes messed up life beautiful again. He can reach inside your heart and pull the weeds of fear and anxiety. He can prepare the ground by softening your heart toward those who anger you. He can plant fresh and beautiful plants of boldness and relief.

     Then, you can stand with Him, side-by-side, and tell Him, “Wow, God, your work is amazing!”

    When do you feel most loved by another person? By God?

Dear Lord, I thank you for loving me so deeply. You care for each of my needs, even before I know what they may be. My desire is to experience your love more each day, so I am then able to share it with others. Amen.

 This blog was taken from The Every Day God-40 Daily Devotions for Walking with God through Everyday Moments by Misty Cramer. (c) 2023

Misty Cramer is a best-selling author and national speaker. Her book, “The Every Day God, 40 Daily Devotions for Walking with God through Everyday Moments”, quickly made its way to Amazon’s #1 New Release and Best Seller lists in multiple categories. In this book, she authentically shares her own story to remind us all that God has a specific plan, even in the midst of life’s messes. She has been married to Todd for 40 years and has five adult sons. While they enjoy their time as “empty nesters” in rural Michigan, they also love visits from their sons, four daughters-in-law, and three granddaughters. Misty sends out a monthly devotion as part of her newsletter, and she’d love to send it along to you. The link to subscribe to the devotion, as well as the link to Misty’s book can be found below:

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