Change can be exciting, but it can also be unsettling and difficult. Especially so, when it seems that we have little control over what is happening. Some of us desperately know that there is a change of season going on because it feels like our whole world has been turned upside down and we don’t know whether we are coming or going. We’re helpless, almost defenceless as one thing after another happens. Pruning is painful; there are many things we don’t want to let go of. But for our own good, they must be removed (John 15). It is in these times that we need to trust in God like never before. As you read this blog – from God’s perspective – be reminded that we too, need to be like a plant in the hands of an expert gardener.
I saw a plant in need of some urgent care and attention. It had been overwatered and was in an unfavourable location. Its needs were not being met and it had suffered. I see this and know I can do something about it, to enable it to flourish and be healthy as I have originally created it to be. I know that without intervention, the plant will at best, remain in a lethargic state: withered and unproductive, or at worst, die. I do not want this to happen. I know the potential this plant has. I know what it is capable of once the conditions are changed.
It needs some ‘hands-on’ attention. But it is a delicate procedure for a fragile plant. In itself it cannot change its circumstances. It has already done all it can naturally do in order to survive as long as it has.
The first part of the process is to remove the supports that have been propping it up. Immediately the plant lists to one side. Next, I begin to remove the top bark and soil. It comes of easily but the rest is compacted. So I tip the pot and shake it carefully and deliberately. The plant, now tipped sideways, is in a totally unnatural position. But I know what I am doing. It is safe in my hands.
Eventually the whole plant is shaken and taken out of its pot and immediately its old, insecure roots are visible. It is now fully exposed; its shame and nakedness on full display in the bright sunlight. But my discerning eyes quickly look and find the limp, useless roots, worn out from over watering. I gently cut and pull them out, one by one. This takes some time. I have to ensure that I don’t mistakenly cut a healthy root. The plant cannot do this on its own. It needs external factors to intervene. It has no choice but to yield and ‘trust’ in what I am doing.
I work quickly and efficiently. The cuts seem brutal but they are essential if the plant is going to survive and then thrive.
The pot, freshly cleaned, is readied with some soil and bark. A few handfuls later, the pruned and stripped back plant now sits upright in my hand within the pot; its roots barely making contact with the soil. It’s in a new position, hovering tantalisingly in mid-air as I continue adding more soil and bark. It remains totally insecure at this point as its roots are unable to get a grip. Its only security is in my hand, where it stays until the whole pot is filled. But more shaking happens in order to settle the contents. This poor plant!
Nutrients and water are added and allowed to drain through. The plant needs to rest now, from the turmoil of my loving actions. The plant has been saved, yet it is oblivious to this truth.
I allow it to sit momentarily in the warm sun before positioning it in an optimum location.
The old roots have a different destination. Dead, limp and utterly useless. The bin is the only place for them, far away from the beautiful plant, which is now able to breath and grow healthily again.
Finally, the familiar supports that were removed at first, are returned, ready for when the plant starts to bloom again.
Re-potted.
How willing are we to allow God to take out what is no longer of use in our lives? If you are in the process of being tipped, shaken, cut back and repositioned, be encouraged today that God has seen your life from His perspective. You are safe in His hands. He knows what He is doing.
TURN AND TRUST 