I was so excited about the backyard plans when I saw them; they were so gorgeous! But as soon as the landscape architect mentioned that a door would come out right on top of my precious peonies, I stopped listening. You know how I feel about my peonies! And if you don’t, they’re my prized possessions. They represent God’s provision in my life, and they make all my neighbors jealous — just kidding, I share!
We were told that we would need to move them now or lose them forever. I’m not lying when I say I asked my husband if we should wait until after the peonies bloomed to start the project. He turned toward me and said, “If you want to make this space what you’ve envisioned, you’re going to have to move them. If not now, you’ll be in this same predicament later.” He was right. I tend to delay anything that makes me uncomfortable.
So, I watched videos on how to properly move the rows of bushes. I even consulted a peony farmer. Then, grabbing a shovel, I stood over the peonies and prayed, Lord, You know how I feel about these things. Please don’t let me ruin them. Help me do this right. It seemed like a really silly prayer. I’ve never prayed over flowers before, but I figured I needed all the help I could get. Moving the bushes took the better part of the day, and it gave me a lot of time to think. What would God teach me this year with the peonies?
As I separated the bushes with the sharp spade, I could feel it dig into some of the tuber roots and I cringed. I remembered what I’d heard in the video, “As you can see here, I cut into these roots. But don’t stress over that! These roots will heal. They might not bloom this year, but that’s because they’re healing below the ground. And when you split them, they’ll sprout even more blooms.” I thought about that as I continued to dig and uproot the peony bushes.
God has been dealing with me on some root issues in my own life, and it has felt very painful. Recently, I told my sister over dinner, “I know God’s dealing with me. It’s like He’s resetting me. I can’t figure it out, but it’s just such a tender time. And I don’t know why He’s choosing to do it all now.” Resetting. Timing. Painful digging around roots. Oof, I understood that.
The peonies didn’t know why I was moving them. They were doing what they had always done, growing toward the sunlight as usual. And here I came with a shovel. But they couldn’t see the future of what would happen to them if they stayed where they were; I did. If I didn’t move them, however painful it would be and even at a loss of blooms next year, they would be trampled, dug up, and discarded. So moving the bushes now was out of love, not carelessness or inattentiveness, not disregard or wrath. It was because I cared for them and wanted to help them bloom even more fully later on.
In Luke 12:27-28, it says we should consider the lilies and how God clothes them and takes care of them. If God does that for the flowers, we shouldn’t be anxious because, duh, how much more will He do for us? And I love the red-lettered verse straight from the mouth of Jesus that follows soon after:
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32 (ESV)
God compassionately guides us for our good and out of generosity, not punishment and anger. He gives us the kingdom and spares us from death. He is all-knowing, all-seeing, and He desires to heal us at the roots so that, in due time, we can bloom more abundantly.
Ruth Mills says
Jami, your post reminded me of my precious Grama. She had a green thumb & was always transplanting plants “for their good”. I did not inherit her green thumb. In fact plants come to my house to die. But I still understand the principles of blooms reflecting the health of the root system. I often pray for myself & others for our faith roots to be growing deep & fat. Thanks for the smile remembering my Grama & the spiritual truths you so beautifully shared today! Blessings!
Jami Nato says
You made me laugh, but maybe you’re a plant hospice? (I can’t help but reframe as a 7 enneagram! lol)
Ruth Mills says
“A plant hospice”! What a precious reframing! Thank you sweet sister!
I simply assumed your peonies were doing great in their new space & didn’t think to ask how they were. I expect your report when the mystery is revealed to be full bloom beauty! Happy weekend!
Jami Nato says
Still no blooms but little buds. If not this year, next year!
Marie Schenke says
Just what I needed to hear! Question: how are the flowers now?
Jami Nato says
They have buds but I’m worried they won’t actually flower. UGH! the suspense! I’ll keep you posted lol.
Cheryl says
Lovely extended metaphor. Thank you
Jami Nato says
You bless me!
Cristin says
This is beautiful story and I know we’re all wondering how are the Peonies doing?!!
Jami Nato says
They have buds but nothing has flowered. We shall see! The suspense!
Lynne Niznik says
Thank you. This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. My roots are also being cut right now and I don’t believe I will blossom in the near future. But God is moving me so I don’t get trampled. I didn’t see it this way until I read your “offering”.
Jami Nato says
This brings me so much joy!
Susen says
You were able to write this piece in a way that can resonate with others using a metaphor that is easily understood and relatable. Thank you for that!!
I hope your peony bush is doing well!!
Jami Nato says
They have buds but nothing has flowered. We shall see! The suspense! Thanks for your kind words.
Jolene says
I remember our peony bushes that we had in Ohio when I was little. I absolutely loved them, but we had to give them up when we moved to FL. This piece really resonated with me as we’re getting ready to make some big changes in our lives right now due to a move. I feel like those bushes as I’m getting ready to be separated from close friends. I think we all want to know how the bushes are doing in their new home!
Jami Nato says
Yes, It is so hard to be in the middle of the “moving” and not the blooming!
Cheyla says
Thank you so much for this! I too must be in a season of being ‘transplanted’ and this is a beautiful lifeline for me to hold on to. Blessings!
Jami Nato says
Thankful for your kind words, friend!
Susan Linzey says
. . . drying tears . . . your observations are a confirmation of what He is whispering to me through a L O N G waiting period in the wilderness. Thanking God for you, allowing Him to be His conduit to encourage me to wait with anticipation for that healing.
Jami Nato says
This makes me so happy. Thankful for how God is moving in your life. It’s hard to live in between, the middle space is so unnerving!
Danielle says
I loved this story and how the Bible & Peonies relate to each other. I hope everyone and everything continued to bloom!
Jami Nato says
They have buds but nothing has flowered. We shall see! The suspense!
Karly Pancake says
Jami, I just want to say thank you for writing and sharing your words and being vulnerable and being funny. The world needs more Jamis.
Becky Keife says
I agree!
Jami Nato says
I love bringing my awkward flare to anywhere ha!
Mary Worzel says
Thank you so much. My mom had the most beautiful peony bushes, growing up. After she died in 2008, her home was sold, and I no longer see the peonies. I, too, am asking God about health issues I’m trying to get through. Your message of being uprooted to help me grow and blossom was a word from God. Thank you.
Jami Nato says
ugh. It’s so hard! praying you see him as the peonies bloom this year in some way.
Karen Knowles says
Such a good word from you today, Jami! Thank you!
Jami Nato says
You bless me!
Becky Keife says
This resonates deeply for me today, Jami. Thank you, friend. Oh how we need the reminder that God is always looking out for our best, desiring for us to bloom and flourish even if it costs us pain and discomfort in the process.
Jami Nato says
Love you!
ELMorehead says
Good to remember, when I’m going thru painful/hurtful experiences. God alone knows my future, what’s coming next. He’ll work everything for my Good!
Jami Nato says
It’s hard to believe in the moment. OOF!
Christine says
This is absolutely beautiful. I felt like I was right there with you as you were digging up those peonies. I hope you give us an update on how they are doing? Thank you for the inspiration, so spot on in my life but, it was not so transparent to me until reading this.
Jami Nato says
So far , they have little buds but no flowers. Maybe late bloomers? It hasn’t been very warm at all this season.
Marilyn Saxon says
He’s working on me at the roots. I cannot see or know ahead what He is doing. I am not kicking and screaming. Things feel different now and I know He must be pleased. He takes care of my needs that only He can see at this moment.
I liked how you described how you separated them. You were very precise and very gentle. God is like that with me. I need to remember to thank and praise Him.
Jami Nato says
I hadn’t noticed that about myself. But thank you for showing me that…It brings me closer to God.
Row says
Thank you for writing about an often painful subject in a memorable way. Loving your quirky way of writing…….it’s made me smile . Really hope your peonies flourish beautifully.
Jami Nato says
You bless me!
Beth Williams says
Jami,
God loves it when we pray. He asks us to pray about everything-yes even flowers.
He is always at work in us removing the dross & making us into His likeness. Proverbs 25:4-5 “Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; take away the wicked from the presence of the king and his throne will be established in righteousness.” He wants us to blossom into great Christians sharing the gospel with others. Jesus cares so much for us that He left the splendor of Heaven to come to broken earth & die a horrible death. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you & not for harm. To give you a hope & a future.” Let God do His work in you & soon we will bloom beautifully just like peonies.
Blessings 🙂
Jami Nato says
You’re right!
Lisa says
Thank you so much for this. My husband & I find ourselves in a very difficult season, where we can only rely on God as our protection. We both needed to hear this to reconfirm all is in His faithful hands, and He cares for us. Please pray that lies will be fully exposed, while offering salvation to those involved that they might find Jesus!. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Jami Nato says
Prayed just now.
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
Jami I know you loved your Peonies. You want the best for them. Don’t want them to get destroyed. You also don’t want them to stop blooming. When they have started. But you want this work done. That you want Sometimes we have say yes we can put of getting the work done. But we be left with the same problems. When after the Peonies have stopped blooming. So we have to do if we love them so much. What best for them. Dig them out not. Yes we will not get to see them bloom this time. But after we planted them somewhere else. We can know they will take root in the knew place we have planted them. Then next time they bloom. You will enjoy them all the more and be glad we saved them. Plus let the work go ahead and did not put it of. Just so as they could bloom. I am not a gardener. I love looking at plants. But in life I had to say what has God taught me this in so may times. Look and say would God want me to let that get destroyed and die this plant. Or would he want me to replant it and love it. So I got in my head many times as it is living. Replant it. Look after it and water it. I have done that. With plants my friends have bought or given me. You know what they are still living. Especially the Lily plant my friends bought me before Christmas last year and another plant some gave me. Don’t know the name of it. They are thriving. Since I took care of them like God told me today. I thought they not live as long. It has taught me. God look after us. He waters us with his word. So we can grow into the beautiful plants he want us to be. That are beautiful for him. That bloom with his love. God is the gardener and take care of us. Especially in this world when can be full of evil. So we want let God be gardener so as he can make us beautiful plants that grow love and beauty in this world. By the way we live are lives for him. For all to see. Especially those that are not saved. So they will see God beauty in us and want what we have and that is to know God for themselves. I say Amen to that. In my prayers all in incourage. Love today’s reading. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little God bless xx
Jami Nato says
thanks for sharing that!
Nancy Ruegg says
I’ve experienced some of those mysterious and troubling uprooted times when I couldn’t see what God was doing. Sometimes we get answers in hindsight; in some cases the answers won’t come until we’re in heaven. No doubt, when see the whole panorama of God’s plan and how our season of difficulty fit into that plan, we’ll respond with amazement and praise! Even now we can look forward to that glorious moment.
Jami Nato says
Thanks for your encouragement, Nancy!
Sheri says
Loved this. God has been using my garden to teach me over the last couple years. My peonies specifically have been a source of several lessons. Thanks for sharing this “gardening tip,” it was an encouragement to me as I have experienced some painful digging into my roots lately.
karyn j says
jami, thank you for sharing this! it was beautiful and was exactly what i needed to hear.
this part really stood out to me. “The peonies didn’t know why I was moving them. But they couldn’t see the future of what would happen to them if they stayed where they were; I did. If I didn’t move them, however painful it would be and even at a loss of blooms next year, they would be trampled, dug up, and discarded. So moving the bushes now was out of love, not carelessness or inattentiveness, not disregard or wrath. It was because I cared for them and wanted to help them bloom even more fully later on.” it was like God was saying, “daughter, you can’t see what tomorrow looks like, but i can. i need you to remove you from where you are so that you will be in the right environment to grow and be used for my purpose.”
the delving into my deep roots has been/is painful, but it is also purposeful.
Elizabeth Mason says
I love this so much! I love to garden and agree that many times it reveals what God is doing in my life! Thanks for sharing this and encouraging me to praying over the ways God is moving and changing and pruning me. It brings such peace to know He is the one who knows the final plans and I do not. Trust Him and follow boldly.