As another year comes to an end I find myself being optimistic while reflecting back. Yes optimistic of the past. The future has yet to come but a lot has happened to us that did not get the best of us yet somehow brought out the best in us. Some lost homes, jobs, loved ones, had to sell belongings to pay the bills, give up certain hobbies, or entertainment they’ve grown quite accustomed to. Yet we’re still here. As a Christian, I can look back on how God used my situations to shape, change, or mold me. He allowed me to go thru certain tests or challenges just to see which way I’d turn. I can’t help feeling I have so much farther to go than I have come but that is OK. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve yet to figure out WHY? in so many circumstances. Why did my Mommy have to die in April, why did my father-in-law choose me to finish raising my 15 year old adopted sister-in-law one week later, why one week after that did my husband hurt his back at work and hasn’t returned yet? WHY? I would be questioning God’s ultimate wisdom. Let’s question HOW ? am I going to do this. Let’s see how I can leave my legacy. How can I grow thru these difficult, scary times. How can I live up to being half the woman my mother was, how can I raise my sweet Melisa to be the lady I’m not and how can I complete my broken husband. How not Why. Well, I’m not sure how but God does. I’m not sure if I’ll make it to tomorrow but God does. Maybe us not knowing How is Why or not knowing Why is How. Mmmm. Sometimes life and times are bad and all we want is a good life and to have the good times. How? Good without God is a big O. Good – God = O. I guess that’s How and now I know Why, John 3:16 How just turned to Wow. Writing for all of you all year long has also been Wow for me. I am so blessed to share my life with each and every one of you. Even you ! Sharing our lives with others helps us remember that we are not alone, it also gets the focus off of ourselves to where it should be, all others. If somehow we love each other, help each other, find each other, share with each other, Why somehow becomes apparent and we no longer wonder. I have truly enjoyed this year of gardening and sharing with y’all and look forward to another. Remember to fertilize with the Halts or Weedstop by the beginning of February to keep all those nasty weeds from coming back. Cover what needs to be covered, protect your pipes from freezing, clean out your gutters now, complete your dormant spray, deadhead where needed, mulch where possible, Pepto Bismal your citrus trees, start your spring compost pile (using leaves as your base), and for goodness sake have a Happy & Blessed New Year. That is my fervent prayer for all. God Bless.
Your Plant Lady