There’s only one place in the entire world where I’ve always felt a lack of distraction; not sometimes, always. Yes, in the world in which we live, I realize that’s a gift!
The place is Wild Rose Farm: ten beautiful acres just outside of town where we thought we’d build the Finally Farmhouse that wasn’t.
After almost 8 1/2 years as its caretakers, we’re preparing to sell. It was a heartbreaking decision, but it’s the right one for us, and so Saturday’s experience was especially sweet.
The backstory . . . Two years ago in mid-May, while living in the 300-square-foot fifth wheel onsite preparing to build, my Renaissance Man was dealing with some significant health- and work-related challenges, and the days were pretty stressful. He really needed something to go right; to calm the chaos.
And God was faithful.
In the midst of the distractions, my Renaissance Man took a walk at the farm, his spirit crying out for . . . something. And there it was. His favorite plant: Jack-in-the-Pulpit. In over six years of walking those same paths, we’d never seen one growing in the wild.
First Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
That day, he found two. Balm for the soul.
God loves to bless us!
The connection that day with his Creator through the beauty of two small plants was just what my sweet husband needed to keep moving forward through a difficult time.
Last year we looked everywhere, but neither plant could be found.
As I thought about that experience last week—and wishing to add those two plants to our new shade garden—I asked God for something specific. I asked for us to find Jack-in-the-Pulpit (and Solomon’s Seal, my sweetheart’s second favorite plant!) at the farm sometime in the next couple of weeks before it sells. I wanted to bring memories from our country “home” to our house in town. I wanted my husband to be blessed.
It’s always a risk when we ask God for something specific because sometimes the answer is “no”. But Saturday afternoon, I suggested we go out to the farm to see if we could find his favorite plants.
And we did—in abundance!
When we found the first one, I was grateful. By the time I’d lost count, we were both shaking our heads in excitement and wonder.
This plant growing at the base of a tree is the largest we’ve seen—2 feet tall—and had multiple smaller plants nearby.
Mom, I’ve already found a spot in the flower bed for another root!
I loved watching my green-thumb Renaissance Man gently digging those 16 Jack-in-the Pulpits and multiple Solomon’s Seal plants and later transplanting them into our new garden. I love the reminder they will be of God’s desire to meet us where we are, in the midst of both heartache and happiness. I love that God shares our everyday experiences.
Have you experienced God using something “everyday” to remind you he cares? Do you believe He wants to bless you? He does!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Solomon’s Seal
We’ve been doing some “jungle gaming” here in Iowa. Last week I stumbled upon a plant I hadn’t seen before. When I asked my neighbor master gardener about it she said “oh, that’s a Jack-In -the Pulpit. I have since found a second one. When reading your post this morning I felt a warmth go through my bones knowing despite time and distance, I’m still very connected to my friend. And THAT’s a blessing.
Oh, this makes me so happy! (Although I’m curious what “jungle gaming” is like with a Vietnam vet!) Does your plant look like ours, or is it different? My hubby tells me there are three varieties native to the U.S. but lots of really exotic-looking ones in Asia. I’ll look forward to the day we can look for them together in your neck of the woods. Miss you!
How wonderful! I’m glad you were vulnerable enough to God to ask him specifically for the plant. And that he blessed you with it! Love this story, Susan.