Bracing For Winter
We received our first frost here in zone 7 the other day. The blossoms on my red chrysanthemums are fading. A friend called and asked if she should cut their perennials back. My answer was, “No.” Perennials come back from the base or roots of the plants, not from the top growth. There is no need to take the time to cut them back now. Instead, break the brown, dead top growth over the crown of the plant. I always tell people to fold it like an envelope over the center of the plant. Essentially, the plant is protecting itself. Drop a wheelbarrow full of leaves over the top and your garden is ready for the winter.
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Many gardeners have kept journals throughout the growing season. They make notes of how certain plants have performed. They take into account the growing conditions of rainfall and temperature. They note if they had battles with insect pests or disease and what they did to combat them.
As Christians we should also take journal of our lives. There will be times of growth, times of battle, times to stand our ground, and time to rest. Whether or not we have a smooth transition through these seasons depends on the strength of our roots. What is the condition of your roots today? Have you prepared yourself for what the next season may bring? Is your hope, security, and identity in yourself, your job, your spouse, or your children? If it is, I have bad news for you. You will not survive the next winter, (trial) of your life. I have been through some dark times in my life. I know well the road of hopelessness. But I also knew where my answer was.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end, says the Lord God. I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.” (Revelation 1:8)
One of my son’s friends had a great way of putting that verse into perspective. He said, “Our life is like a parade. We are sitting on the curb; we can only see what is right in front of us. But God is standing on top of a building. He can see where the parade begins, the middle where we are at, and He sees where the parade ends.”
Knowing and trusting someone comes by spending time with them. We get to know and trust God by reading His Word. We are able to feel His presence by spending time in prayer every day. When we do that, our roots go down deep. No storm can harm us. Bad news may come, but instead of being overrun by emotions, we have strength. We can stand secure in His promises. The winter will pass, then spring will come. We will emerge strong and ready to flower once more.
“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (Ephesians 3:16-17)
