This is a temple tree. It looks dead on many of the branches. But then a dead-looking branch will push out a leaf or a flower. Healthy leaf. Gorgeous flower.
In the Bible it talks about pruning branches that don’t bear fruit, and I have often wondered if I’m bearing, if I should be pruned, if I’m failing at the abundant life.
Honestly, I’m not a super fan of the temple tree. I like abundant flowering bushes– the hydrangeas, rhodie’s, or lilacs.
But, it occured to me that I’m a temple tree–pushing out random leaves and flowers from seemingly dead branches.
It’s a discouraging, but encouraging thought. The branches remain because they will push out life eventually. The life is lovely and encouraging enough that people value, plant, and encourage this tree despite its struggling appearance.
Maybe more of us are temple trees than rhododendrons. Maybe there is room and value in whatever kind of bloom or leaf pattern we have. And I have to say, having a name like “temple” can only be good.
Finding value in our bloom patterns.
What kind of bloom are you, my friends?
