Tis the season for a good Spring Clean, and a couple of weeks ago, as we cleared out our shed, we found a massive bag of expired seeds. 

The date on the packets told me these seeds were over, time to dispose of and buy new. Instead, I bought a monster bag of potting soil and planted every expired seed. A satisfying afternoon of dirt under my gel nails as I wondered whether these tiny dots held life. 

As I planted, a word came to mind, dormant. The dictionary definition is, ‘slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep.’ I imagined the life inside the seed, the burial needed, then the trigger needed for the renewal process. The seed lies dormant until environmental conditions are favourable for it to germinate. I decided to be a part of the renewal process!

The reality is, there is no period of inactivity where nothing is happening. Dormancy might appear to be a hard shell, impermeable even, but I see it as protection until the right time. That time when the exterior weakens to allow breakthrough through soaking and scarification. Heat, light and fire being effective methods to breakthrough – sound familiar? Of course, there is natural scarification as the ground freezes and thaws.

Scripture encourages us to watch the seasons, the signs, nature encouraging us that there are times to prepare. 

I recently read this, which sums up my thoughts well, ‘Just as winter prepares plants and trees for warmer weather, a spiritually dormant season is a time of preparation—when our inner character is developed and strengthened. Strong character is essential for withstanding storms that will come during seasons of growth and harvest.’ 

The very nature of God encourages us: that we are never static, that the seasons are His gift to our soul, that He allows favourable conditions for our growth.

Be encouraged that there is no expiry but simply dormancy; my little green shoots have shown me this.

In this harsh, fragile, Covid world we find ourselves in, I pray that we’ll allow the light, heat and fire of God to break through our protected self, bringing life to the new things that are happening inside.

He is faithful; He is doing a new, different thing, new life is emerging. 

Or, as Solomon wrote, 

My beloved spoke and said to me,

    “Arise, my darling,

    my beautiful one, come with me.

See! The winter is past;

    the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth;

    the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves

    is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit;

    the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Arise, come, my darling;

    my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Solomon 2:10-14

Expired? I’m confident I’ll show a whole garden of flower pics soon,

Remember, you are loved! 

Michelle xo