April Showers Bring May Flowers

When we lived in our house in the suburbs, I always rushed out to take photos of those purple-blue April crocuses pushing through the ice and snow remnants. They were a symbol of life and renewal. Winter would soon be past, and we could look forward to warmer weather and the beauty of spring’s awakening.

However, if Solomon had written Song of Songs 2:12 here in Ottawa, he would have penned it in May: “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard; in our land.” We usually endure the April showers before most spring flowers open.

It was lucky for us, then, that we first viewed the above-mentioned property on a sunny May 24th weekend. Three tall lilac trees bordered the backyard that showcased three levels of plants and shrubs, and a flowering crab reigned in all of its pink glory near the middle. The scent was heady, and the whole idea of trees blooming in May was a novelty for us. We were moving to Ontario from Newfoundland, a place where nothing blossoms quite that early in the season! The combination of this lush garden, dotted with pots of colourful annuals, and the sparkle of the water in the inground pool won my heart instantly. It’s no wonder the real estate agent left it for last. I wouldn’t have wanted to see anything else.

As a teacher, I spent the best part of our Ottawa summers in that yard for almost twenty years. When the boys were young, I was often lifeguarding, but I always managed to find my own time to sit with a book and enjoy the beautiful garden.

I believe having our start as human beings in Eden, an even more incredible garden, causes us to inherently appreciate the beauty in nature. We are drawn to blooming flowers (unless you’re unfortunate enough to have allergies!) and palm trees (although that might be more MY thing). My photo app is filled with close-ups of colourful blossoms. And “stopping to smell the roses” has never been a challenge for me.

However, our backyard paradise didn’t look its best without some effort on my part. It needed constant watering—an hour-long chore every other day! I regularly weeded and pruned and kept filling those pots with annuals. Trimming the vines on the fence was especially time-consuming. But I didn’t mind the work. The result was worth the effort.

Isn’t it wonderful that God feels the same way about us? He considers us beautiful and well worth the tending necessary to make us look and feel our best! Since He chose to plant Adam and Eve in that gorgeous garden, He clearly felt that we belonged there as His most treasured creation. Jesus confirmed this when He talked to the disciples about resting in God’s care in Luke 12:27–28 NLT: “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you…”

God grows and nurtures flowers, and He desires to do the same for us! Unfortunately, since Adam and Eve were dismissed from their garden home and sin entered the world, we require more maintenance to bloom and reflect God’s glory. But making beauty out of our brokenness is not a challenge for God. He is our Creator. That makes Him the Author of our instruction manual, so, therefore, the best Trouble-shooter to find and repair the broken parts. He wants us to bloom where we are planted and draw others to our beauty.

When our longing to grow aligns with God’s desire to make us flourish, we will root ourselves in God’s Word to absorb all the nutrients and minerals necessary to help us bloom. Isn’t that why you’re reading this blog right now? Every morsel of His Word fertilizes us and makes us stronger.

In Hosea 14:5–7 NLT, we see how God wants to restore Israel, and I believe He extends this to us too when we seek Him.”I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon. My people will again live under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.”

This is a promise of growth, beauty, strength, value, fragrance, abundance, and delight. As God’s flowers bloom in His garden, we will bless all those around us. April’s showers might actually look like struggles, heartaches, and persecution—all intended to help us grow. But when the weeding and pruning are done, and our character is more reflective of God’s, the result will be worth the growing pains.

The Gardener looks at His creation and sees beauty. Maybe someday we’ll realize that being made in His image means we are beautiful!

Pray with me:

Father, I invite You to be my Gardener—to look after me with your tender loving care. Prune me, water me, and feed me with the things I need to grow strong. As I reflect Your love in my smile, words, and actions, may my beauty and holy fragrance attract others to You. Amen.

Continue to grow where you are planted!

Valda Goudie is a teacher and a writer. Visit her site at https://valsstage.com/ and download a free e-book called “Tickle Me with a Crowbar!” containing 30 days of jokes and short devotions!

 Are you growing where you are planted? Let us know in the comments box below.