Why Do I Watch Plants Die

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This is a recurring thought of mine that brings a tinge of guilt and sadness- and a stirring. I can be so conscientious sometimes about plant care- once keeping a poinsettia plant alive for a year at my office. But it was at the office and not at home.

And I have watched several of my plants die at home. It’s like I have so many things competing for my attention when I get home. I’m not deliberately not watering them, but regardless of my intention the plant dies because they are not watered. I will sit on my sofa and say, I need to water my plants and then plan to do it LATER. When later comes, I’m no longer thinking about watering the plants.

But I love plants! I adore flowers and living green things inside of my home! And I know how to keep them alive. But now having watched my plants die, I very rarely buy house plants. That is sad. We have a nice garden outside and nature plus my husband’s attention keep it beautiful. But it’s not the same as having  a living plant inside the house.

Then the phrase “planted by the waters” came to me.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7-8‬ KJV)”

Plants in the ground have multiple water sources other than our remembering to water them. When you take them out of the ground they are dependent only on external water sources. And all living things need consistent water to keep on living.

So hope awakens with this thought, and I believe I’m finally going get a little plant. And it shall live and not die! Not this time. I will make sure that it stays watered and say a little prayer with each watering. That way we can grow and thrive together!