Trusting The Tulips

It was 25 years ago this past October that I began my “bed rest”; that was what they called it in those days.  From October 31^st to January 3^rd I was quarantined to bed.  I was pregnant with a set of identical twin boys and a few complications had set in.  These complications meant two months of bed rest followed by a set of tiny boys born 10 weeks too early.

There were so many uncertainties in my life such as: would the boys be born alive, strong and normal?  Could we afford for me to be off work so many months earlier than expected?  And, what would life be like after they were born?

Each time these concerned crossed my mind I would mutter, “by the time the tulips bloom we will know where we are at.” That was the marker on the compass I had set my sights; the blooming of the tulips.

This COVID-19 reminds me of those lonely hours lying in bed, the uncertainty of my situation and the anxiousness of the outcome.

COVID-19 has been a trigger for many, reminding them of anxious times.  I heard from one who told me this isolation resonates with her many weeks convalescing after cancer surgery.

Another was losing sleep over past anxiousness from a career they had retired from; thinking all the stress had been left behind.

I asked the cancer patient how things worked out and she spent much time sharing wonderful stories of recovery, renewed energy and a new lease on life.  The retired person also shared stories of a career full of success and fond memories; many more happy memories than stress-filled ones.  They both expressed gratitude for all God has done in their lives.

It took time for the tulips to bloom after our boys were born; the journey wasn’t straight and easy. These things take time and patience but eventually, the tulips did bloom and both boys were home and we were able to go for long walks and appreciate all the fulfilled promises each tulip represented.

In times like these, it is easy to be pulled under by anxiousness and be overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

God offers a remedy.

When Joshua was leading the Israelites on their final leg of their 40 year journey God instructed they build a monument with 12 large stones.  This monument was to be a sign to future generations reminding them of God’s providence through difficult times, “….so everybody on earth would recognize how strong God’s rescuing hand is …”. (Joshua 4:24 The Message)  May we never forget!

I saw some tulips pushing up through the cold hard earth today and was reminded of God’s promises fulfilled.  As John Lennon once said, “Everything will be okay in the end.  If it isn’t okay, then it isn’t the end.”

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel