Where is the Shade?
The bright yellow lantana plant blossoming in the desert springtime sun was not yet parched. Had not yet felt the unyielding intensity of summer’s rays piercing its tender shoots. Next to this lantana stood a medium-sized bush covered in winter’s shriveled leaves. Though this bush looked dead, it cast a gentle shadow over the yellow pom poms, enduring the heat for this graceful plant.
This week, though, the bush was pruned back to the ground, exposing the yellow blossoms to a blast of heat from the desert sun. The flowers are shriveling from the merciless sun’s rays and the leaves are beginning to curl. Although the lantana is usually hardy and does grow in full sun, it has been protected for years. It has enjoyed the company of its surrounding landscape. How will it survive the change?
Much like this lantana plant, I have enjoyed years of springtimes of protection and joy surrounded by those I loved. Many blessings and relationships have cast their gentle shade upon me. However, on the threshold of this summer, the season has poured an intensity of struggles into my life. My blossoms are fading, not full of the vigorous joy that supplied their life. The leaves curl in on themselves to protect from the pain brought by the changing seasons. I wonder, much like the plant, how will I survive? I am not naturally hardy nor do I tolerate full sun. From where will the shade come to protect me through this blistering heat?
His answer comes:
“The Lord watches over you–the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
“The Lord will keep you from all –he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7,8 NIV
“Are you looking for shade in the midst of your struggles?
<$BlogFeedsVertical$>
<$BlogItemFeedLinks$>
Thank you, sweet Janis, for visiting me at Jeremiah 29:11. HOPE you have a great SONday!
Janis – those dry, parched seasons are not always easy to endure. I love the scipture verse you shared – He is our shade, our refuge, a present help in times of trouble.
I will pray for you, dear sister.
Such pretty flowers and oh, I jutst love that scripture!!
Have a blessed Sunday!
A beautiful thought. Thank you! Happy Sunday–Janet
Such a good analogy, Janis. Thank you for sharing this verse and may God bless you.
Mildred Nalley
Deb~thank you for visiting. Looking forward to dwelling in my SONday.
Joan~thank you for your sweet understanding and prayers.
Mildred~thank you for your encouragement.
Susan~glad you enjoyed that scripture.
Pamela~I like your contrast between the heat and God’s shade; between Satan’s hate and God’s love.
Janis, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. My poor lantana is suffering as well. Those fresh, new shoots need a lot of water to keep them from wilting in the hot sun. They’re like us, I guess!
The shade of the Lord is a sharp contrast to the heat. Just as His love is a sharp contrast to Satan’s hate. Knowing God is looking over my life gives me the peace to stand in the shade.
Blessings,
Pamela
Beautiful post, and beautiful music! The music is so peaceful. It’s a perfect touch for your blog.
Dear Janis, Thank you so much for dropping by my blog and all your sweet words. I am so glad you were inspired to set up your “playlist” and I love your music. smile
God bless you richly on this journey. Your blog is lovely.
Janis, it’s a beautiful metaphor. I see the picture, I read the words, and you have me wondering which flowering plant I am. You have me walking away pondering – pondering is good. Thank you. God bless and keep you and whatever season of life this finds you in.
I really do need the shade of God’s care and strength in my life. I’m abiding there with you!
God bless your week!
much love Anna
Beautiful photo and lovely reminder!
This looks like the Lantana in our yard. It’s amazing how it comes back each year after being cut back to just about nothing. It makes a good reminder. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte