Marigold Surprises

Those who’ve followed my writing since the beginning know I’m a huge fan of marigolds (and sunflowers and purple flowers).  If you’re new or want a colorful reminder, you can read more here *Grand Opening 2.0*, here *Sunflowers* and here *Embrace Your Purple*.  I never really considered myself much of a “flowers person,” until the last year or so, but…

Y’all, marigolds.

A while back, in the midst of an Instagram writing challenge, I had an idea for a creative picture to go with the daily prompt. I easily found the seeds on an end cap at the grocery store, but unfortunately, when I got home, I couldn’t get the shot to look quite right.  I decided to use another picture and dropped the seeds into my flower bed. They haphazardly fell among the mulch.  I simply dusted them off my hands, wished I had more of a green thumb and didn’t think another thing about them, until…. 

A few weeks later, William and I were weeding the flower beds when I noticed a few green leaves sprouting.  I thought it was just weed.  But on a whim, we decided not to pull it.  Days later, I noticed it’s sturdy stem, so I continued to leave it alone, just to see….

Y’all, this week guess what is growing there?! It’s a marigold!  In case you are wondering, planting seeds really does grow a plant!

The picture of this plant has been vivid in my mind since I noticed it, and it’s writing a deeper story for my heart.  It’s not just an unlikely blooming marigold.  I find myself thinking about the other seeds I’ve tossed, unsure of exactly what or how they would grow, and the beauty I’m seeing now as they bloom. 

Like this – Exactly one year ago this week, I quietly planted the seed of a dream, committing to consistent writing and being brave enough to share my words.  In March, I opened my blog and website. 

Or this – A few friends asked what books I was reading, and so I included book reviews on my website.  That seed – those reviews – were a piece of a wonderful conversation in an interview. The interview opened the door for my new position as librarian.

And this – When school began in the fall, William consistently mentioned a few kids.  One week, I took a chance, connected with the mommas and set up time outside of school for them to hang out.  The seed of that text grew to a group of friends that helped make this year wonderful for him (not to mention the mommas whose friendships I now treasure).

In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon advises,

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”

Ecclesiastes 11:6

And in Galatians 6, Paul reminds Jesus-followers, “A man reaps what he sows.”

In her book, “Placemaker,” Christie Purifoy writes, “We are all gardeners of a sort, and most of our lives are dedicated to tending, keeping and making.”

My marigolds weren’t planted intentionally, but God grew them anyway.  He is mighty and surprising and loving in that way.  So, I’ll choose to notice, to harvest the lesson He provided through their growth, to tend and to keep.

Friends, what seeds are we planting, sowing, tending and keeping right now?  What dreams? What connections? What ideas?  

We don’t always know which seeds will bloom, or what will blow away. But if we don’t toss the seeds, we definitely won’t see them bloom. 

And, this week, I spy beautiful orangey- gold reminders in my flower beds.  

Hugs and blessings, Bethany