Whose Day in the Sun?

Even summertime carries its share of disappointments. The roses and many of the perennials around the garden have finished their first flush of blossoms.

I’ve cut back spent branches and blooms to help consolidate their energy. But that means they’re not only about half their former size, they’re half their former glory. The good news is, a second flush of color is on its way. The bad news is, I have to wait for it.

This measured approach to blooming allows perennials to spend some of their summertime energy on roots that will enable them to survive the winter and flower again next year. During this time, all eyes turn to the annuals in the garden. Less substantial than their longer-lived cousins, the begonias, impatiens, zinnias and marigolds take center stage for a while. These plants “leave it all on the field” when they bloom because one season is all they get. When fall rolls around, they’re ready for the compost bin.

It seems a bit unfair that annuals, the ninety-day-wonders of the garden, flowers that devote themselves to beauty for a single season, get as much and sometimes more attention than the in-it-for-the-long-haul perennials.

It’s a bit like life, though. Some upstart decides to write a book, puts in a few months of work on it, and gets it published to rave reviews. Meanwhile, you’ve got a lifetime of writing behind you and have yet to see your pages appear between two covers. To your great annoyance, their finished product is good. Very good. You were kind of hoping for the chance to put a comforting hand on their shoulder and let them know these things take time. And far more effort than they budgeted for the work.

What about those friends who go on short-term missions or volunteer part-time in the very ministry you’ve devoted your life to? They share testimonies of exciting and miraculous experiences while much of your time is about the everyday drudge required to keep things afloat.

It reminds me a bit of Matthew 20 where Jesus tells the story of a landowner who hired workers at different times during the day. When he handed out wages, those who had worked the longest were miffed the late-comers received the same pay. It was the landowner’s option to reward both long- and short-term servants just as it’s the Gardener’s option to allow both annuals and perennials their day in the sun.

I think Paul had the right attitude in Philippians 1:15–18 when he chose not to begrudge the attention others got even for preaching insincerely or from selfish ambition. Instead, he rejoiced because “in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached.”

If we’re “between blooms” and it seems like a new-comer, or a late-comer, or someone less dedicated to the task than we are is in the spotlight, let us rejoice as freely as Paul. All the energy spent to glorify God’s garden doesn’t have to come from us. In every way, whether in pretense or truth, whether by laborers new to the field or old, the God’s beauty is being displayed non-stop.

How about you? How do you encourage yourself when it seems someone else is getting the attention?