A Practical Walk

As my plants sprout, ideas are sprouting in my mind. It’s no wonder Jesus used plants so often as illustrations.

Yesterday I started transplanting some of my lil’ seedlings to bigger pots and I feel like I identify with these little green guys more than they’ll ever know!

I was living by a dusty West African road. I clothed myself in colorful wrap skirts and head scarfs. I bought fresh bread…oh I miss that bread! I shopped in a busy, bustling market. I was greeted in multiple languages.

Now I’m in the US living on a paved road. I often wear blue jeans. I might not get the bread I loved, but I enjoy the fresh tortillas instead. I shop in an air-conditioned store while pushing a grocery cart. I mostly hear English around me with some Spanish mixed in.

I’ve been transplanted.

I’ve kind of dreaded transplanting my sprouts for fear of damaging them in the process. Since I’m still a beginner, I’m still learning the tricks to helping them transplant well. I know that sometimes when you first uproot and move a plant it might look sad for a little while, but if you take care of it and give it time, hopefully it’ll perk up and even thrive in it’s new location.

I’ve been through enough transplants in my personal life to know that it’s clunky at first. You’re trying to figure out where things are, who will be your go-to person in this new setting. Where will you shop, and go to church? Will your neighbors be friendly? Who will befriend your kids? What will our schedule look like in this new phase of life?

I’ve learned to not be surprised if during the transition, there’s more grumpiness and tears. But that doesn’t mean the move isn’t good for us. We have to give it time and continue to do what is right and eventually we might see ourselves perking up and thriving in our new location. Sometimes, just like a plant, we need different locations for different seasons of life.

My plants and I are both freshly transplanted and we’re both learning to thrive in our new pots. It’s hard at times, but will help us grow in the long run.

WARNING: I anticipate more plant analogies coming up!

Yes, I took a selfie with a cucumber plant, and yes that is a Blue Belle ice-cream tub.