It’s All Over. Or Is It?

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭

That’s it, folks.

That frost last night was a real killer.

We had a good long run. There were a few mild frosts, some crisp mornings, but many plants survived and continued to at least look the part.

That all ended last night.

The last of the pretty leaves, hanging on against all odds, are toast. Very few plants can hold up to temperatures so far below the freezing mark on the thermometer.

The garden season is officially over.

It’s hard not to mourn a bit, the change is so dramatic. The lovely blossoms are all limp and brown. Bushes whose foliage provided privacy are shamefully naked and open to the elements.

The death is final.

Or is it?

I’ve been at this a long time. And I can let you in on a little secret.

Things may LOOK dead.

But there is hope yet.

Year after year, the magical transformation from death to life is acted out before my very eyes. And it reminds me that I, too, was dead once.

But because of Jesus, I’m alive!

Ok, ok, I know that sounds pretty dramatic. But these verses in Ephesians explain very clearly that without Jesus, my spirit is dead. As in, lost all its foliage. As in, frost-bitten, leaves fallen, no systems go.

But because Jesus died to take my place, and was raised from the dead, I can by faith enter into the greatest mystery of all.

Spring.

It’s uncanny.

Those plants die right to the ground. All previous growth is completely lifeless. They lie dead under the snow for months.

But when the spring rains fall, and the touch of the sun warms the earth, up they come – risen from the dead to new life!

A yearly miracle. A living lesson. An over and over, get-it-through-your-thick-skull learning – what was dead can come back to life, with the touch of the Son.

My beautiful garden only appears dead.

It will be back next spring, more gorgeous than ever.

Have your dreams been hit by the frosts of life? Are there places within that could use a touch of the Son?

Look to the garden for hope.

Watch the end of this year’s growing cycle with a deeper sense of comfort and gratitude. You see, what appears dead can live again – and be stronger, brighter, more luxuriant than ever, when blessed by the God of mercy and love.

Come to life with me?

Father, how rich is this love, that You would give Your Son to secure our transfer from darkness to light, from death to life! Teach us to truly live. Amen.