We have lived in our home for over 34 years.  Watching our yard “grow” has been like watching our own children grow over those years.

Several years ago we experienced a “derecho” and along with many others in our area, lost trees, bushes and plants.

As we surveyed the mess, we had one little forsythia bush that was hanging on.  It looked awful. 

“Stop” I shouted over my husband’s trimmer.  “I think we can save it!” He honored my request.

Each passing spring, it looked like we should cut it down.  It just did not have much life in it.  We trimmed away the dead, as some neighborhood cats continued to target it as their personal potty home.

Yesterday was finally warm enough to get out of the house and in the yard as we “shelter in place” during this pandemic.  I walked around the yard and notices the day lilies, Easter flowers, crocus…all were peaking out to see if it was safe to emerge.

Then I saw it.  And I named it.  “The Hope Bush.”  What a strange comfort it brought me.  It was not perfect, it was tiny….but it was bloomed in the best form I had seen in years!  

Reminded me of our lives now.  It can look pretty bleak, it can feel like nothing will be the same, and it might not be.  We want to see our adult children, our grandchildren.  We may face a “new normal” that none of us will like.  

But the Father showed me a reminder of His comfort through this tiny little bush.

Don’t give up.

Stay focused on the peace that only the Father can give.  And if you don’t know that peace, hope and comfort…please allow Christ to become your Savior. He loves you.

We are in this together!

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy