Saturday, February 25, 2006

Communication & the Avacado Seed

I went to visit my sister today. We don't get to see each other very often, so it was a special treat. She took me to eat at Le Madeline for lunch--yummmmmmmm! I had a wonderful fresh spinach salad with salmon, bacon, pecans, and strawberries and then Creme brulee for dessert.

But even better than the food was the time spent with my sister. Of course we talked about our children. She was telling me about her 2 sons--both in college. A couple of her tales are worth repeating here.

Shirley had called her oldest son, Anthony, last weekend and talked to him at length. They discussed how classes were going, what he had been doing, the fact that he had called the dentist on his own, made an appointment and then went (quite an accomplishment for him). I'm sure they discussed finances and the weather. And who knows what else. Then they said their goodbye's.

Then she called her youngest son, Alden. She asked him what he was doing. I'm at Anthony's doing my laundry!! Had Anthony mentioned that Alden was there?? Nooooo! Shirley said this was an example of how well they all communicate!!!

I think this is about how well we communicate with and about God, too. We see our friends. We talk about a lot of things. Our jobs, our kids, our triumphs and defeats, our finances, the weather. But do we mention that God is at our house??? Or that He lives within us??? I know I'm not very good at communicating that. I do the best at it here in this blog. But I need to be better at communicating that in my day to day life!! God help me!

Now for the second tale. Sometime before Alden left for the fall semester, he took an avacado seed, stuck toothpicks in it and put it in a cup, and lovingly watered and cared for it. Then he left for college. Shirley became the caretaker of said avacado seed. She said she watered and cared for it fairly well, and it grew a root about an inch long. And then her life became hectic (she is a middle school orchestra teacher--need I say more?). She neglected the poor avacado seed. Alden asks about it when he calls. Further neglect results in the poor thing withering. In desperation, she takes it out into the backyard, plants it under a pine tree, and then totally forgets it.

Today, she is perusing the backyard and--WHAT IS THAT?????? A six inch stem has sprouted from the seed. She had been certain that it was hopeless.

How many times have we considered things to be hopeless. And how many times has God brought about a ressurrection. He brings new life to things that we consider dead. He breathes His breath upon them, and warmth and light and life return. I can see that so many times in my own life. Remembering those times are a great comfort to me. A source of confidence when life becomes troubled. Proof that He is Faithful. God is good. And He is able.

May God continue to grant you His richest blessings, and may you have all kinds of peace in believing.

21 comments:

Corry said...

Proof that He is Faithful. God is good. And He is able.

Amen!

God's Grace.

Bad Alice said...

Hi, visiting on the FFMB march, which is probably going to take me 2 weeks!

I find that even Christians don't talk to each other much about God, and then they self-censor. We're all too scared to admit when we have zero faith, when we're really angry at God, and when we just aren't sure. We tend to talk to each other in platitudes, everything gets coated with "God's in control" or some similar phrase. At least that's my experience. I work in a denomination's headquarters and no one ever admits to floundering.

Anonymous said...

"He brings new life to things that we consider dead." somehow, this gave me a new taste of hope. i know God is faithful and He always has been. thanks for sharing this. God bless! =)

see-through faith said...

this is a wonderful post. Thank you :)

Seeker said...

Bloom where you are planted, even if you feel dry and crusty.

Unknown said...

Thanks Joyce!

Trying to Catch Up: Training Camp #2 is Almost Here! 3/1/2006

J. Andrew Lockhart said...

things always work out when you're doing what you should!
Romans 8:28

David Edward said...

now that shirley is out of the cupboard, my blog is doomed

Lazy Daisy said...

Aren't you ever coming home? Miss you.

Jenny said...

Joyce... another awesome post. Thank you for sharing.

Corry said...

Joyce, I pray all is well and that you are just too busy to post!:-)

God's Grace.

Anonymous said...

hi joyce. hope you're doing fine. =)

Kitty Cheng said...

Hey Joyce, you haven't blogged for a while? How have you been?

May God continue to grant you His grace, mercy, love and blessings dear sis!

Jenny said...

Joyce, just checking in to see how you're doing!

Anonymous said...

hi, joyce! happy easter! God bless. =)

Kitty Cheng said...

Thank you Joyce. Great post!

Tracy S said...

that is awesome !!!

A very great reminder..

-R- said...

Your first paragraph made me hungry! And I liked the rest of the post as well. =)

David Edward said...

ahh for growth from what we had planted and almost forgot! cool lesson

David Edward said...

just a reminder that we think of you and wish you well. Please pray for me as I seem to be entering a season of growth, and opportunities for obedience abound, praise God!

also pray for healing for my friend Joyce, had a serious back injury two years ago.

Corry said...

Just dropping in to say "Hi" and to let you know you are on my mind and in my prayers.

God's Grace.