Push through
Although my calendar doesn’t agree, warmer temperatures, daffodils (buttercups) in every shade of white and yellow, and tiny leaves on eager trees signal the arrival of spring . . . maybe. As courageous trumpeters of spring, my buttercups push through several inches of mulch to make their way out of the soil.
In the photo above, the daffodil stems lifted a clump of mulch and chunky bark now sits several inches above ground (lower left of picture, right above the “k”). Mulch serves two good purposes–weed control in the short term and nourishment of the soil in the long term. However, this beneficial addition to the growth of flowers also acts as a barrier for new growth in the spring. The determined stems must push through the extra layer of mulch in order to grow.
And push they do, sharing glorious beauty as they conquer the barrier and spring forth.
Push Through
We face barriers too, don’t we? We carry burdens, encounter obstacles, and sometimes feel buried by too many responsibilities. But just as God created flowers that rest dormant under the soil until time to push powerfully through barriers of dirt and mulch, He provides the strength, perseverance, and courage for us to overcome challenges.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
Reach out for God and find him, though he is not far from each of us. (Acts 17:27)
In our need, we call on Him
- When we face those burdens and hardships–He is there.
- Challenges that seem too great, He guides us through.
- As we reach out to Him, He surrounds us with His love and grants us courage and strength to push through.
Our loving Father is always with us, within calling distance, only a prayer away.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:9-10)
Praying for you, dear friends.
Just a note…
Some of you may recall that one of my goals for 2025 is to create a YouTube Channel. My mission is to: 1) support high school graduates as they transition into college and 2) encourage healthy lifestyle choices and wellness to promote a better quality of life for people of all ages. Thank you for those who prayed for me in this endeavor. I’ve gotten my YouTube Channel up and running and shared my first video–Yippee!
My aim is to share helpful advice for our upcoming high school graduates to assist them in preparing for the transition into college and useful advice and guidance to facilitate a successful first year. Viewers and subscribers are greatly appreciated.
I love your pictures and the lessons from these beauties, Katherine. Thank you.
Thank you, Diana. As I step outside each day (especially in the spring), I am overwhelmed with the beauty of our Father’s creation. We are so blessed. Thank you for your encouragement.
I just laid mulch last week so your analogies are fresh in my mind. The bags were heavy. Spreading the layers was good for the soil. The benefit outweighed the investment of hard work. Nutrients were added.
Our waiting, prayer and trust are nutrients for our soul as we push through too. The benefits are there. Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Yes, those bags of mulch are heavy! But the results are worth it. Marilyn, I loved your analogy as applied to our the work in our yards and gardens, and as needed to stay close to our Lord and stay with Him on our life journey. The benefits and blessings are there. Thank you for sharing your insights. Wishing you a beautiful spring, filled with joy and hope.
Overcoming barriers does strengthen our souls as we push through those things that hold us down. Like the spring flowers, the beauty of growth will shine. Congratulations on the YouTube channel. I’ll be subscribing.
As much as I enjoy working in my flowers and seeing the resulting beauty, I think our Father loves it more when we work in service for Him and we devote time to draw closer to Him through Bible study and prayer. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we rest on our front porches with our feet up, we’re out there in His world, working to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. Thank you for your ministry, Barbara. You’re a wonderful role model. Thanks so much for supporting me on my journey. Wishing you a blessed week.
Congrats on the YouTube channel and facing the challenges of pushing though learning new software, technologies, etc. Loved the article.
Yes, Jim, my technology skills are still developing and indeed, it is a challenge for me. I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement. Thank you, my friend.
I need this message today. Thank you Katherine. I’m pushing through some obstacles in my life. I’m thankful God is with me. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, we are so blessed that our God is always with us through the challenges. I’m praying for you. May God grant you wisdom, discernment, perseverance, and comfort as you face your obstacles. He loves you and will guide your decisions. Peace and blessings.
What I would give to have flowers right now. It snowed again last night. Your pictures are stunning and your message was much needed.
Oh, Jen, snow again? Of course it is winter still, but I know you’re anxious for warmer weather. Spring will come and it will be beautiful for you. I hope my message was encouraging. Thinking of you, and praying.
We have to be as resilient as daffodils to push through many obstacles on the way to our goals and intentions. Thankful we have a God who is “there” for us.
Best of luck with the podcast! I subscribed today!
I agree, Candyce, we are so blessed to have “a God who is there for us.” Thank you for subscribing and for the good wishes. Your kindness and support are blessings.
What a blessing to know that He is always with us. Thank you Katherine. You are a blessing
Oh, Yvonne, you are so kind and encouraging. Thank you for brightening my day! Blessings!