God provided me with a house last August. It’s not a big, fancy house but it is a house I love. I have filled it with things I love. These things include special treasures and dozens of pictures that remind me of my kids growing up, growing up with my parents and sister, as well as other special people in my life. I also have newly collected treasures, like the hummingbird picture in my office that makes me smile and the MANY houseplants I have collected from Trader Joes. Now, I have started landscaping my backyard, which was a blank slate, with plants I love. I’ve always loved tropical plants since they remind me of my earliest years in Hawaii, my birthplace. I have a lot of flowers, hibiscus, bougainvillea, cannas, lilies, a palm, and did I mention a lot of flowers? But I really wanted a banana tree. I found the perfect spot, with the perfect sun. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a banana tree. My boss suggested I order one online. This seemed strange to me, even as an Amazon addict. She insisted it would fine, so I ordered one and it arrived this week! The 3-gallon banana tree was delivered on my front porch in a box. I unpacked it and it was so pretty…but small; not the large tree I was envisioning in my imagination. I planted it, watered it, and gave it fertilizer. I know with continued nurturing and patience; my banana tree will be just what I imagined.
This reminds me of the faith I have nurtured over the past 4 years. When my life changed forever, I knew God and loved God but did not have a RELATIONSHIP with God. I had religion which I learned is vastly different than having an intimate relationship with God. I’ve nurtured this relationship with daily Bible study and prayer. I’ve also nurtured my faith through my daily talks with Jesus and by listening to and being led by the Holy Spirit. My tiny banana tree is my own personal mustard seed!
As the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 92:12: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” My banana tree and I will continue to grow with patience, love and faith!
Beauty from Pain 