Some things in the garden are special. They may be a gift from a friend, maybe came from your grandmother’s yard, bloom at a special time, or just make you smile. My Japanese Apricot was that…special. 

It would bloom in January or early February. The little blossoms were deep rose colored. But the fragrance…oh, the fragrance. When it would bloom, the whole yard was filled with a beautiful smell of citrus spice. It was unmistakable. Given the time it blooms, that is a gift. 

The blooms are hardy too. There have been times when it was in full bloom, we would have an ice storm. The blossoms would be covered in ice. Once the ice melted, the blossoms were not affected in the least. They bloomed as if nothing had happened.

But this year, nothing happened. No blossoms. No green. Nothing. Over the winter, it died. My feelings were hurt…badly. After 35 or more years, I had counted on that tree. It was the brightest spot during the gray January days.

But, there are sprouts. Lots of sprouts. That dear tree left behind a “family”. I’ve had my eye on them. They look small enough for me to dig up and small enough to thrive. Yet with some care, they should be blooming in a season or two. A legacy of sorts.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what we leave behind lately. What have I done, said, or taught that will make a difference in lives…especially in the lives of my family. The Word is clear about our responsibility to nurture our children in the LORD.

Have they seen me bloom in the storm? Have I spread the fragrance of Christ? Did they ever see the love of Christ in me?

Sometimes, Mamas are tired and cross…overwhelmed…not particularly great examples. But I pray that what really mattered…the Lord Jesus Christ…matters to them.

So I look at that dear tree, not too tall but loved so much, now gone…and see those “babies” around it…realize there will be rose colored blossoms again with that beautiful fragrance. The next generation…