They are sneaking in everywhere…
Through the tiny squares of window screens, invading the venting system of vehicles, peppering the leaves of all plants in the yard, and clinging to the bottom of our shoes.
There are many trees in my neighbourhood, and the elm trees are happily releasing all their little yellow-green pollen spores to the world.
I’ve not noticed the proliferation of such pollen before, which is a wonder this year. It’s amazing how the conditions on a year-to-year basis cause trees and plants to respond to the growing season in different ways.
Sometimes it’s a great growing year, and other times it’s not.
For example, the same conditions by which the Elm tree pollen is prolific are the same conditions (including all the wind and rain), in which the immature pinecones from the pine trees have been blown to the ground. These pinecones will not mature and bear seeds as they were meant to. Future generations of the pines will be affected by the seeds that never were.
Ok, maybe I’m being dramatic, but you know what I mean. 😉
I’ve been noticing the same type of patterns, and growing seasons in my own life, and I know you see it too, in your own life! And I got to thinking that all the pollen, should be much like the Holy Spirit…
“So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for His purposes. And don’t live foolishly for then you will have discernment to fully understand God’s will. And don’t get drunk with wine, which is rebellion; instead be filled continually with the Holy Spirit. And your hearts will overflow with a joyful song to the Lord. Keep speaking to each other with words of Scripture, singing the Psalms with praises and spontaneous songs given by the Spirit! Always give thanks to Father God for every person he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Epesians 5:15-20 TPT
Growing and gardening teach us so much, not just about the natural world but also about our spiritual lives. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16)—making Him just like the pollen—covering everything and like pollen’s purpose, to bring new life, there is no fruit without pollination! Hello, Fruit of the Spirit!
The scripture above asks us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. How? Joyful songs, scripture, more singing, and surrounding yourselves with good people. Listen, I know I’m making this sound simplistic, but the reality is that the Holy Spirit was sent to us, He is with you, now.
I remember when, young in my faith, and growing up on the farm, our neighbour’s horse got tangled in her lead and spooked. We were all playing nearby and this huge, Arabian, charging horse was coming right for us!
Holy Spirit clearly spoke to me and told me to grab my younger siblings and climb the dirt hill in our yard. As I stood on the top, still shaking with fear and adrenaline, He whispered to me again that the horse was not going to break its stride to climb the hill, sure enough, I witnessed the horse, in a full gallop, come near the hill and pass by into the fields behind.
I was surrounded. And still am. Now I know the Holy Spirit doesn’t “sneak,” but He is a part of my life and He fills the spaces where He is invited, pollinating, and helping me to bear fruit.
And we all have the choice to take full advantage of every day, spending our lives for His purpose.