My chickens spent the better part of March scratching the heavy layers of leaves off my flower beds, which means I spent the better part of March piling the leaves back on, trying desperately to keep my delicate spring flowers covered up until the right time.
Every time I donned my long sleeves and started covering up those pale greenish yellow shoots, this verse came to me.
“Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” Song of
Solomon 2:7
A string of warm days could force the spring flowers up
early, and without any cover, a frost could easily damage them. I’ve definitely
had years where the blooms died prematurely or the plants never even bloomed at
all.
This verse in particular is about love. It’s about letting
it “rest” and not forcing it until the right time. But as I was thinking about
this verse and protecting my precious flowers, I thought about the things I’m
yearning for right now. Fresh veggies straight from the garden, market season, and most of all, for the chance to get published. I’ve spent the winter working
hard towards these things, and I’m yearning and dreaming to see the fruit of my
labor come to life.
Every time I covered those flowers, it was a reminder to be patient and know there is a time and season for everything.
