It’s been a while since I posted a reflection and poem. Actually I’ve been very discouraged about this blog and have been wondering whether I would continue it. There’s always such a struggle to bring it to more people’s attention and such a mixed response!
But I sat down to listen to the Lord and I sensed that He wanted me to continue using the gifts He has given me, so I have been encouraged by that. Perhaps He is saying something similar to you, about your gifts?
Anyway, today I had an inspiration for a poem. If you’re living in the UK you may be noticing that there is an acceleration in the seasons right now. We live in Shropshire and the climate can be quite cold here as we are higher in the hills. That means our gardens are often 6 weeks behind gardens in the south.
However, I am noticing spring and summer flowers blooming together at the very beginning of June and this is exciting! The roses are particularly wonderful – thanks in great measure to TLC from Allyson who looks after our garden, particularly when we are away in the USA.
As I was looking out on – and enjoying – the spring/summer blessings of our garden, I was reminded of that passage in scripture in the prophet Amos when he talks about Israel’s restoration. And I had a new sense of expectation from the words in Amos 9. I’ll quote the scripture after the poem.
Can you see it?
I’m looking from my window and seeing all things new
The buds are on the roses, but flowers are blooming too
The leaves are very fresh and green, while some are copper red
This season is now summer, yet spring is not yet dead
There is acceleration. Last year - my photos show
The roses were just budded. With blooms a way to go
That streak of sunny weather from April into May
Turns early June in ‘25 into midsummer’s day!
And from my summer garden, a scripture comes to mind
The days are coming, says the Lord, and this will be a sign:
The one who reaps the harvest, overtaken by the plough
And he who treads the ripened grape, by one who plants vines now
A picture of such blessing. Hills dripping with new wine
As seasons flow together, God’s people live His time
A time of restoration. A time of great return
A time of His fulfilment. A time for which we yearn.
So, if you see a glimmer. And hope is in your heart
Let’s thank Him for new signs of life. Be ready for the start.
We’ll move into the harvest time. And set our hands to plough.
God’s people in His rhythm. And waiting for His NOW!
““On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old; That they may possess the remnant of Edom, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” Says the Lord who does this thing.
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.
I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them,” Says the Lord your God.”
Amos 9:11-15 NKJV
I know that those words have had a partial fulfilment for Israel. But my sense of their relevance today is wider. There is so much need for restoration and fruitfulness in God’s people and His church. There is so much need for goodness and righteousness and a harvest of souls for God’s glory!
Anyway, see what He says to you. And please let me know if it’s something that will encourage others, too!
The sky is grey today so the flowers aren’t shining, but I took a photo nevertheless.
The Bakery 