The Great Gardener and His Flower by Caitlin N. Pate

“But how long
shall I lay
dormant?
I can
blossom now.
I just want to be out
of this dark, dirty place.

Can’t You let me into the sun?”

More waiting
heart aches.
My eyes dim.
I see nothing.
Yet, You encourage me to burrow

further down.
“Rest now,” You whisper,
“And talk to me.”

“But down,” I whine,
“Is the wrong direction!”
His words fall gently over me.
“Trust me.”
Little by little–
a bit begrudgingly–
I reach down.

“Are you sure?”

You never get annoyed
by my question.
“Yes, dear one.”
I try to focus
on Your voice.

Burrowing down.
Not noticing
I’m also reaching up, clasped

by Your hand,
Till suddenly
My tiny green sprout bursts
From the dirt;
Engulfed in warm sunlight,

But also deeply rooted below.
So full of questions before,

Aching for control,
Now all that can seem

To fall from my lips is,
“Thank you, Jesus,”
And here I bloom
Right where You planted me

Caitlin N. Pate is a writer and homemaker living in her beloved Mississippi. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and has worked many years with children and in education in a variety of ways Caitlin is thankful for her faith and hope in Jesus Christ and the love and support of her family. The Bible verse she always carries in her heart is "at dawn there is rejoicing." (Psalm 30:6).