It’s been a long goodbye this week. I’ve had to say goodbye to loved ones traveling cross-country to start a new chapter of life in a new place. It’s been a bittersweet separation these past few days.
My emotions range from being hopeful, happy, excited and then sad and lonely all at once. Then there’s worry and anxiety close by to turn my world upside down.
Letting go. It’s hard.
I spent the last few months in my garden. Weeding, working the soil, planting. It’s therapy. And the therapy became a blessing as I have anticipated this week for some time now.
I worked the soil, in a large planter on my deck, trying to release a stump leftover from a shrub that once grew in the pot.
I dug, pulled, chopped, yanked. Little by little the deeply embedded roots gave way to my prodding and poking. Bit by bit I tossed the entangled roots until I got to the stump. I dug a little more and released its grip. It was finally gone for good.
Adding more potting soil, it was ready to receive fresh new plants.
My heart can feel that way sometimes–choked and clogged by a number of embedded emotions that need uprooting so that new growth can sprout.
It may seem easier to let them fester, ignore them or even wallow in them but if I want to flourish, both emotionally and spiritually they need releasing.
It’s funny how God can speak to me in the most unbelievable ways. Yesterday it was through a Persian poet born in 1207.
I opened a magazine and these words popped out at me:
Do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come? Rumi
Ok, God. I hear you.
I wandered through my garden today and noticed the beauty. There are flowers blooming everywhere.
The hard work this past spring produced an over abundance of growth.
I know It’s time to work the unplowed ground in my heart too. I sit quietly, flipping through the pages of His unshakable and reliable word.
Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts… Jeremiah 4: 3-4a
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12
I’m doing the hard work of pulling out some of those deeply rooted roots and weeds in my heart, because I know that to see new growth and flourish I must first dig out the worry and anxiety. I have to uproot the wanting to hold on tightly when it’s time to let go.
And you know what? The more I work at this uprooting process the more I’m seeing evidence of joy and peace sprout once again.
What do you need to uproot today?
Blessings!
Nancy ©pensandjournals.com
Pens and Journals 
Wonderful analogy!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Beautiful writing Nancy and so true, it is so hard to let go.
LikeLike
Thank you, Joan. It is very hard at times! ❤
LikeLike
Have had much to let go of recently myself, and what a wonder new growth can be! Beautiful thoughts here, friend.
LikeLike
Thank you! I always enjoy reading your comments, Marisa. Growth is a wonder isn’t it? There may be growing pains but it’s all worth it.
LikeLike
I think I have found a kindred spirit in you. Last year at this time we said goodbye to our oldest daughter and her family as they left for a new state. Anytime I feel loss I head to the garden and find great relief in pulling the tangles out of it. God gives us different ways of dealing with changes in our lives, but what a joy to know that he is always consistent. Your flowers are lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kathy, It sure is good to know that God is consistent and never changes especially when so much around us is changing. I’m thankful for the ways he’s given me to deal with change. Thank you for reading and for your comment! I enjoy hearing from you my kindred friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Nancy, my heart hurts for the separation in distance from your loved ones and I totally relate to your feelings…when you love so deeply and have to let them move on and away from you…that is plain hard and it hurts. So often what we want and what is best are not the same and it’s just not easy to acknowledge that. I’m happy that God is helping you to see that this is maybe the best move for your loved ones but either way He is always there for us to guide, comfort and carry us. xxoo Love you dear friend.
LikeLike
Oops…I, Bonnie, wrote that last comment. Forgot to change it. lol
LikeLike
🙂 Thank you, Bonnie! ❤ They were wise words and I appreciate it. I know that God goes with them and is here with Bob and me too. Selfishly, I'd like all my loved ones within arms reach! 🙂 God knows best and I have to trust Him. Love you, my friend.
LikeLike
Lovely post today, It felt like a bit of therapy for me somehow just reading your words.
LikeLike
Thank you, Terri. I’m glad it resonated with you and that you took the time to let me know. It’s always good to hear from you.
LikeLike
Beautiful post…both the words and the images. It spoke to my heart…a heart that knows the feelings well. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
It’s always an encouragement to know when a post speaks to someone’s heart. Thank you so much for reading and for your comment, Valorie. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, this is lovely to see, to read, and to contemplate as I wonder what God is up to in my own life’s garden. How joyous to know we can trust Him completely.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
LikeLike
Thank you, Wendy. God sees the big picture while we only see today. I’m grateful that He’s there in our struggle to remove the roots, stumps and to help us work the soil in our life’s garden so new growth can sprout. He is good. God Bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise words and most encouraging.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Susan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely pictures, and great analogies too. God speaks to us in many ways, we just have to be still long enough to hear what he’s saying. (And for me, I have to stop wanting to be in control. I have to remember He is in control and knows what’s best, like the awesome parent He is!)
Best wishes as you work on your internal garden. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
LikeLike
Thank you so much. I appreciate the time you took to read this post and to comment on it. It’s true that God speaks to us in many different ways. I also need to be still long enough to hear His voice. You’re right~He sure is an awesome parent. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike