The Art of Deadheading Flowers

2 P&P Weekly Blog for 8-14 June 2024

Have you ever heard the term—deadheading? If you’re a gardener, then you are probably familiar with it. If not, here’s a simple definition. It means to remove any dried or passed bloom from a plant. Doing this is not just about pruning a tree; it's about fostering new growth. It's about creating a neat appearance. And most importantly, it's about allowing the rest of the plant to flourish by redirecting its nutrients to the healthy stems. This process is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey, offering hope and inspiration for renewal and growth. 

As I was recently on our back deck deadheading a planter of mixed blooms, I felt a profound connection to God’s Spirit. It whispered, “That’s what I’m about in your life. That hurtful thing that was said to you? Deadhead it; so that I can make room for new growth. That person's gossip, which was untrue? Deadhead it; so that my Word can sink deeply into your heart and take root. The area you’re working on to reflect my image more closely? (Confess it); Deadhead it; so that I can use Your life in greater ways.” This divine guidance reassures us that we are not alone in this process, and that God is always there, guiding us towards spiritual renewal. 

I love how the Lord uses ordinary things of creation to give me such profound lessons of His ways. And if you’d like proof of this from Scripture … well, here you go! 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:1-12 NIV

Of note? Notice that Jesus prunes the un-useful things in our lives, but He also prunes us when we are bearing fruit—so that we bear even more. To me, this encourages me to draw near to the Master Gardener. I don’t fear His touch because I know it will be for my benefit and His glory. And when things touch my life that are less than desirable, I ask the Lord—to kindly deadhead them from my heart and mind—so that His Spirit can make me flourish in my faith and growth so that I develop stronger roots for the next round. 

Dear Lord, help us to deadhead things past, dried, broken—so that we make room for Your Spirit to renew us in every way. May we be like this plant once I have removed the old—refreshed, invigorated, and beautiful/handsome—through the work that Your love and grace are accomplishing day by day. We trust Your pruning and what You’re creating. May the end result bring You honor and glory and draw from us—unending praise. Amen. 

Deadhead—anything from your life—that has not been edifying, is untrue, and is not of the Lord. Then soak Your mind and heart in God’s truths, love, and promises. And take every ounce of pruning as a sign of His love for you—because what He removes is as valuable—as what He wants to grow within you. Then, flourish! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

2 Pause and Praise Creations ©

2PauseandPraiseCreations.com