Over the last few days, I have been sharing the resilience of bamboo and how its strength, when cut down, causes it to grow and spread everywhere. After Hiroshima was bombed at the end of the Second World War, most everything was destroyed. The atomic bomb killed every person, every child, every baby, every plant, every insect, and every animal in its path. Do you know what the first thing to grow back in Hiroshima was? The first thing to turn green and sprout? I’ll bet you can guess. Can anyone say bamboo?

What’s the metaphorical opposite of bamboo? Perhaps it’s weeds. Though a weed may appear similar to a beautiful flower or a thriving plant, it remains just a weed—ultimately lifeless. Then think about indoor plants. They flourish in their ideal environment—perfect temperature, soil, water, and sunlight. However, it only takes a single minor error for them to falter. Indoor plants embody that delicate balance we must honor in our own lives.

My friend, you are not fragile like a weed or a temperamental indoor plant. I believe you are more resilient, like bamboo, rather than delicate houseplants. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you have the ability to bounce back, recover, and embrace God’s power in all you do. Whether you are starting today or beginning anew, together we will continue to explore godly principles that can make a significant difference. The principles include planning, planting, tending, and harvesting.