Revive and Resurrect

Revive and Resurrect. That’s what I’m working on right now.

There’s a Christmas tree out back.

Just one.

I mean, I hope there’s still one. It could go at any minute.

I am trying to revive it. I planted three of these perennials a couple years ago. But, two of them got confused and lived their lives as annuals. Each one was planted in our backyard. One for every grandchild.

The idea was to begin a tradition of decorating a tree they could call their own about this time each year and watch it grow as they themselves grow.

We even got all fancy and staked markers with their name and date under each that mistakenly made it look more like something had already died there. This should have been my sign. And, sadly that has always been the unfortunate fate of my attempts at cultivating such plant varieties.

But this year, I’m holding out hope for this last Arborvitae. You can see fleshy foliage that’s powering through and appearing to resurrect with a life that thinks it has a fighting chance.

Winter’s coming. Put up your dukes, light weight!

You know, I don’t know who I think I am, but despite my evergreen tragedies, I still planted this little green seedling. It powered through one season of summer, so I’m a gonna keep my watchful eye and protective care through the winter month. I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s waiting for Christmas.

I’m waiting for Christmas, too.

The seed of a different kind was born on this day. That seed was a bit underestimated, as well. Still is, actually. But, a great discovery I’ve learned is less about trees and more about He who made these trees. That’s the seed of hope. That seed is our fighting chance. I know it’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering, because truth is, it’s always going to be God that makes it grow.

It’s your only hope, little buddy. I hope my grandkids see that grow.

1 Corinthians 3:7

Luke 8:11

John 1:1