Spring has a way of turning my thoughts to the Creator. For instance, have you ever pondered the pollination process in light of our relationship with the Lord and with each other? No? Great! Allow me to share my thoughts with you this morning.
There are three types of pollination: self-pollination, cross-pollination, and artificial cross-pollination.
Self-Pollination
Self-pollination happens when an excess of pollen in a flower causes pollination to take place within that same flower.
Prayer turns my heart to the Lord and renews my mind. Fasting teaches me discipline and helps me to submit to His will and not my will. Biblical studies grow my faith and knowledge in Him. All of this, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit, helps me to produce that which God has planted in me.
Cross-Pollination
The next technique is cross-pollination. This pollination takes place when small animals, rain, wind, and insects carry pollen from one plant to another.
I imagine the small animals as inconveniences that arise and hinder my plans, the rain as dark days that hide life’s sunshine, the wind as the storms that test my faith, and the insects as situations that irritate me.
Yet, I have a choice how I respond to the pollinators that God sends into my life. If I’m willing, each instance can produce fruit. The small inconveniences cultivate steadfastness and instruct me in diligence no matter the deterrent. The rain promotes contentment in every season of my life that I may know an unspeakable joy. The wind rocks me and loosens the earth around me allowing my roots to go deeper. And finally, those irritants urge me to have patience by teaching me self-control. All work to strengthen my faith in the Lord.
Artificial Cross-Pollination
Lastly, artificial cross-pollination occurs when a person gathers pollen from one flower, and then using a small brush or blower, applies it to another flower.
Just like artificial cross-pollinators leave pollen, people leave a signature fragrance that remains long after they’ve gone. Some leave a sweet smell while others leave an unpleasant odor that may linger for years. Each produces its own kind of growth.
The “sweet” pollinate the Word along with encouragement into my life promoting deep thirsty roots of faith in Christ and juicy fruits of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the “odoriferous” flit about pollinating the latest gossip, strife, anger, and bitterness often disrupting my peace and stealing my joy.
Unlike the flowers in nature, I have a choice to refuse or accept odorous pollen. The solution? Allow the Holy Spirit to blow upon me each day.
As a pollinator, I also have a choice. Brush people with the stench of this world or the sweet fragrance of Heaven.
To become a stinky pollinator, I need not do anything. But to become a heavenly pollinator, I must allow the Master Gardener to deadhead, fertilize, and water my spirit each day!
May we all be a sweet fragrance to those we meet along the way. 🙂
Last week, Lulu and I happened upon a cardinal trapped in a neighbor’s small chicken coop. He was flying from side to side, frantically searching for an exit. The temperature was rising, and he refused to calm down and rest. We watched as he tried again to free himself only to land breathlessly on the ground. The way he was behaving, he wouldn’t last long.
When Lulu opened her door, she quickly stepped back to the rear door. “Mama, the bird is sitting in my seat.”
. I was sure he would fly. Instead, he just sat there. Enjoying the air. I turned the middle vent toward him, and he turned his head as if to allow the breeze to blow on his face. I took more photos as he rested. Twelve, in all. After his breathing slowed, he sat for a few minutes more and then flew to a nearby fence.
Gail Johnson 