Dead Leaves

The other day I noticed that my dahlia Plant had been scorched by the heat. 

As I grabbed the garden shears to trim back the dead leaves, I started thinking about how Jesus is a much better Gardner than me. I nearly let this plant die! 

I did a little trimming and then set the plant up on the table so I could sit down to finish. When I looked directly at the plant, I suddenly noticed all of the dead leaves underneath. They had been hidden from plain site.

Then I heard the Lord whisper to my heart, “I see all of your dead leaves and I carefully tend to them.”

And my eyes welled up with tears I trimmed, remembering some of the painful things I’ve entrusted to him. I thought back to some of the desperate prayers I have uttered over my wounded and bitter heart. And he heard every one.

Yes, he has carefully held my heart as he trimmed away my dead leaves. 

We all have things inside we don’t want anyone else to see.

The harsh words spoken to you in a moment of anger left a sore spot that is beginning to scab over with resentment.

The friendship that suddenly dissolved left a gaping wound and now the bitterness is setting in.

You haven’t spoken to that family member since the disagreement over something you can’t even remember, and now you wonder if your heart will ever let them back in.

As much as we like to hide it and protect it, the human heart is fragile.

But you can trust your tender heart with Jesus. He will gently hold you as he carefully trims back the things in your life that are turning into dead leaves.

And before you know it, you are experiencing a deep love like no other. You are walking around with a healed heart that is patient, understanding and forgiving. 

I’m pretty sure I cut all of the dead leaves on my dahlia plant. There were a lot! I’ll be watching this plant more carefully from now on. 

As for my heart? I’m going to stay close to the careful Gardner, offering him those places in me before they become dead leaves.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.