A little TLC

At the end of the summer blooming season, I walked through Wal-Mart’s outdoor flower pavilion. Leftovers of potted plants stood in half-wilted condition, the result of Kansas heat and a shortage of water.
   Although most of the plants seemed beyond help, I noticed a large pot of purple vining geraniums. At the height of the season, this particular pot cost $35 – way over my budget. But the current price tag was stamped only $4.50. I picked it up and claimed it as mine.
   At home, I inspected the plant closer and realized all it needed was a little TLC – tender loving care. Some of the blooms needed pruning while the entire plant soaked up water like a dry crop after weeks of cloudless skies. With a little nourishment, daily care and kind words, that large pot of purple geraniums soon colored one corner of my deck with beautiful worship – certainly worth the bargain price.
   So many people are like that sad and homeless plant. They seem dried up by the trials of life and the bitterness that swoops over their souls. Neglected and rejected, they feel powerless to change and fruitless in their search for significance. As they wither on spiritual clearance shelves, they wait. All they need is a little TLC from someone who cares – someone who knows the Master Gardener and can empathize with their struggles.
   God calls us to sow the seed and fertilize new growth with his Word. He wants us to water and care for new believers so they can bloom and grow. Sometimes we may need to prune with accountability, but with a little TLC and a lot of empathy, a soul’s beauty results in worship for months to come.
   I long to be more alert for ways I can share God’s TLC and work with the Master Gardener to create a landscape of love.
_______________________________________________

RJ Thesman has been a writer since she flipped open her Red Chief tablet and scribbled her first story. Eventually, she attended college where she earned an education degree and taught at various levels, including short-term missions in Honduras. Thesman is a Biblical Counselor and a Stephen Minister. She has worked as a communications professional in a variety of nonprofits and has served as campus minister to international students. Thesman enjoys teaching writing workshops and helps beginning writers birth their words. She is the mother of an adult son and enjoys reading, gardening and cooking – especially anything with blueberries. Thesman lives in the heartland of Kansas with her son and an elderly cat. You can find her online at rjthesman.net or on Facebook at facebook.com/RJThesman.