Under the Ugly - Tracy Nunes
I grew up in the tropics, where volcanic soil and year-round sunshine enhanced my green thumb. Then, I moved to a temperate climate with weak soil, where the winters required a yearly “do-over” in the garden. This made me question if I ever knew how to grow things at all. I couldn’t wrap my brain around a cycle and a soil that seemed to fight against me. Especially when I tried to grow a plant that I couldn’t in the tropics: Hydrangeas. They delighted my heart. Of all plants, they were the ones that I dearly wanted to grow.
But three years of effort resulted in failure. And this year, as I looked at the bush that I had carefully planted, choosing the perfect location, I was so discouraged. I finally got the budding I wanted, but just before winter hit, and it resulted in countless dead buds. Little dark-brown capsules covered the stems. So much promise, now dead and useless.
Out of curiosity, I picked one of those buds and decided to do a postmortem. Cutting it open, I found a vibrant, green bud hiding beneath the ugly shell. New life waiting to spring forth when all the conditions are exactly right.
This last year seems like that to many of us. The cold hands of death, destruction and disillusionment have encircled our world with a stealthy grip. Life can look heartless and dead. Massive efforts in families, businesses and communities have battled against the harsh elements.
But, for those who trust Jesus, new life is always nestled amongst what appears to be dead. Take heart, Christian. He Who controls the elements, will bring new life from what appears to be dead.
And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 ESV
Read more and contact Tracy HERE.
