Of Magnolia and Fig Trees, Strength From Adversity

I’ve wanted a Magnolia tree for over twenty years. While it’s true they can be messy, life is also messy. But life is the messy bits. If you’re trusting and patient through the mess, you’ll see the beauty in the end.

Last weekend I purchased and picked up three Bracken Brown Magnolia trees from Spring Valley Nursery. They will mature into a tree roughly 30-40 feet tall, and just as wide. They already have large, white blooms. The honey bees are in love, just as much I am. They are sitting in their pots, for now, due to drought in our area. I’ll plant them soon, drought or not, so long as I’m willing to drag a bucket, to each, daily. They are close to a water source now for easy application. Are you close to your water source for daily application? We need to quiet ourselves, each day, and spend time with Him so we will be well watered and fed.

I wandered into the yard yesterday and noticed that all three of my fig trees, two in pots (new this year) and one in the ground, are starting to bear fruit. Mind you, the one in the ground has had a rough life. The first year it was nearly killed by a run in with a weed eater. The next, nearly killed again, by sub-zero temperatures in the Winter. This year, it has come up strong, healthy, green and vibrant. Fig trees remind me of life, especially my planted fig tree. It has faced adversity since it was planted into the ground at my home. Each year, nearly meeting death through outside forces. The roots of the tree were strong. Although each season the tree faced new difficulties, because the roots were firm, the fig tree kept coming back after each trial. In life, we have a choice. We can stand firm in Him, facing each difficult circumstance being firmly planted, to know we will rise again because of Him, or we can wither and give up. We may be pruned, and while the process isn’t pleasant, it is necessary. Otherwise, how will we come back more strongly than before?

Be strong and courageous. Bloom where you’re planted, knowing there is a plan and purpose in the trial. There will be beauty for the ashes that you will see in circumspect later.