My Swedish Ivy
The kitchen windowsill holds several treasures I’ve collected over time. One, a birthday gift from my Aunt Ann, is a small white vase etched with a garden scene. Usually a pink camellia or a few pansies fill the vase, but today it’s home to my Swedish ivy.
This isn’t just any Swedish ivy, by the way. The plant from which this cutting grew graces the mantle of the White House Oval Office. So how did someone without a green thumb acquire this distinguished ivy?
My son, Corban, received a cutting from a work colleague, and Corban’s talented mother-in-law, who does have a green thumb, rooted the ivy and gave everyone in our family a plant. Though mine flourished, one sprig broke off when I moved the flowerpot.
Armed with information from the internet, I clipped the stem at a leaf node and placed it in my vase with fresh water. A few days later, as I checked for the first signs of roots, God reminded me where He wants me rooted. In Ephesians 3:17-18, Paul writes “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” (NIV)
As the water, oxygen, and nutrients in soil give life to a plant, God’s unfailing love brings life to us. His powerful love cost Him everything when He gave His Son as the sacrifice for our sins. He longs for us to place our trust in Jesus so we will have forgiveness and eternal life with Him.
God’s love also sustains us daily. If others turn away, He stays. When we fail, He stands with us. As we celebrate the joys of life, He sings along. Loudly. When our hearts break, He mends them stitch by stitch.
Soil provides nutrients my Swedish ivy requires for growth. God supplies nourishment through time spent in His presence and in His word.
He is everything we need to flourish. As we sink our roots deep into Him, He fills us with His limitless, overflowing love, satisfying us and splashing those around us in the process.
Now it’s your turn! What has God used to teach you about His love? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
8 Comments
Katherine Pasour
I’m overwhelmed by God’s blessing in sending my son and his wife a beautiful baby girl when we all thought this miracle wasn’t possible. As a person who loves growing things (although I’m no expert), I loved your Swedish Ivy analogy. Thanks for this day brightener.
Kim
Katherine, Congratulations on your new granddaughter! Blessings to you and your family! God is so gracious.
And I love your posts of your beautiful plants. You definitely have a green thumb!
Andrea Henley
My Grandmother! (And my boxer dog, in his own way of course.) They both have a way of welcoming people in that brings joy and points to heaven. He welcomes us with his love, all the time, unconditionally.
Kim
I couldn’t agree more, Andrea! Both my grandmothers made me feel loved and special. And having a happy dog waiting at the door to smother you can’t help but make you feel loved! Glimpses of God’s goodness and care! Blessings to you!
Diana Derringer
Music fills my heart with joy. I love to wake with a song in my heart and mind. It’s often one from that week’s choir practice filled with truth from God’s Word.
Kim
What a beautiful way to start the day—singing God’s word! Thank you for sharing, Diana! Blessings!
Joni
Thanks for sharing, Kim. Appreciate the reminder that God is the source of every good thing.
Kim
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Joni. God truly is the giver of every good and perfect gift! Blessings!