The Friendship Garden

Buds * Blooms* Beauty

Faithful friends, like perennial flowers, bring beauty to the garden of our lives.

Once a friendship takes root in the rich soil of acceptance and kindness, we flourish and buds (buddies) form. Of course, we watch and wait with great anticipation to see the plant covered with beautiful blooms.

Gardening is work with great reward. So is the cultivation of friendships.

Buds take time to enjoy each other’s victory gardens.

When one achieves success in life, we sincerely share their joy. If jealousy, like a prickly weed, tries to pop into our minds or hearts, we whack that nasty, pluck it out by the roots, and toss it in the weed heap!

Gardeners know the difference between bloomers and “weedsters.”

A true Bud shares selflessly.

Whenever a perennial is so happy it overtakes its garden space be sure to introduce it to another gardener. Freely give plants away so others can enjoy the beauty. Do the same with any of your own God-given gifts and talents. When we give of ourselves to others to make their lives easier to maintain, they will grow and flourish. And when their perennials spread they can pass on plants to other gardeners. A precious cycle worth repeating.

A true Bud is steadfast regardless of weather.

If the sky is gray-black with whipping winds or clear blue and calm, deeply rooted friendships stand firm and tall.

Buds, blooms, and beauty never happen without sunshine and rain! Some gray days stop all gardening efforts. Just like dark days deliver despair, a good friend will remind us of the truth of this beautiful blues song: After the rain, the sun will shine again! God will work it out for us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqDVc3kIgQ4

I love how my flower gardens remind me of the blessings found in my friendship garden. Not one flower—or friend—is exactly the same. My most faithful Buds accept my weaknesses and help to strengthen my faith and writing endeavors. Through the years, we have shared our victories and our disappointments. With honesty and selflessness, we encourage one another to hold fast to the promises of God. Prayer and time together deepen our resolve and strengthen our belief that God's promises prevail.

We need both the rain and the Sonshine in our lives.

May your garden be filled with buds, blooms, beauty—and faithful friends.

I hope I help you to flourish as you so faithfully help me.

Your thankful blooming Bud,
Donna