Rachel Whisman

One of my plants seems to be dying. The edges are turning a sour yellow color and it looks like it is only a matter of time until the rest of the leaf will wither away. Now, did I just uproot this gorgeous Swiss plant and merge it into another pot with another propagated piece, yes. This process of a leaf turning yellow is common. It is called transplant shock. The roots have been disturbed from their natural home and are having to adjust to their new pot. The roots are experiencing a different texture, moisture, and temperature which in turn stresses the plant out and causes it to turn yellow. This process makes the plant exert more energy and it takes some time for the plant to acclimate. 

Why do I say all of this? Well because when I looked at my plant the other day, I felt like my plant. Slightly frazzled by changes that have taken place in my life over the past year. When I think back over this year there are about five moments where my immediate reaction has been, “Woah, yep don’t like this,” “Ok God, I do not like this change either.” “Lorrrrrrddddddd, another change but why?”, “What are you doing?” I internally start to scream and the hesitation and quiver rise quickly in my heart. The pressures of the unknown feel tangible and at the same time paralyzing. 

Before I transplanted the plant to its new pot, it was stuck in its mason jar. The roots had filled the jar to max capacity and there was a struggle to remove it. I had to apply pressure, turn the plant, tug with force, and break off some of the roots for it to get out of the jar. It had simply outgrown the jar. 

Is not life like this sometimes? We get comfortable. We fill our lives to the brim and do not want to move. Nothing is new, but the same. There is order and predicidabiltiy. In our wisdom, we might say, “This is what is best.” But where is faith exercised in that? Where is the struggle to grow into maturity? Somewhere along the way, pressures are applied to our lives. New struggles arise or life takes a turn that you did not see coming. It is as if the Lord is removing you from your own mason jar and transplanting you into a new pot. Maybe one you do not appreciate at first. The shock is too dramatic. The change is too abrupt. But the same God who removed you from one situation is also the same God who allowed you to be in this new stage and will continue to be present. 

Our ultimate aim is to become more like Christ and enjoy Him. God knows what He is doing. We only have faint wisdom in comparison to Him. Change is going to continue to happen in our lives. God is going to continue to be present as well, but may we press on to knowing our Father more. He is our good shepherd. He will stand by us. He is taking care of us and He will continue to take care of us as we are uprooted and as we grow roots whether in mundane faithfulness or startling seasons.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 ESV