I recently sang and shared about “Grandma’s Songs” at a small church pastored our my son-in-law and daughter in Calhoun, GA. They both teach school as well. The church is called “Nellie Peters” United Methodist Church. Now, I have no idea who “Nellie Peters” was, but she must have been pretty important in the history of that church. I don’t believe she was one of the original apostolettes, however! (grin)

While William and I were setting up an ad hoc little sound system, I heard Kathleen, say, “Hey, Dad, look at the two new shoots coming up in the center of the palm plant.” I looked and, lo, and behold, there WERE two new shoots coming up in the middle of the palm plant.

I asked her why the plant was recovering so well. Kathleen said, “Hey, here’s the secret: Bigger Pot, Better Dirt” Both William and Kathleen have green thumbs (and fingers AND toes!). She had repotted the plant. She’d also replaced the worn out soil with fresh dirt, fortified with all the good stuff plants like.

I got to really thinking about that as we went on about getting ready for the concert. “Bigger pot, better dirt.” That WAS the secret! How simple, yet how profound. The palm plant had developed too many roots for the space it had. The dirt was worn out. In a short period of time, the potted palm would have been sitting out by the curb waiting for the garbage men to haul it off!

Fortunately, for the plant as well as those who attend Nellie Peters United Methodist Church, someone had the know how and cared enough to do what needed to be done.

I can think of lots of applications to the believer’s life. What comes to your mind? I’d appreciate hearing your ideas. Drop me an e-mail by using the “Contact Us” tab at the top or use the “Leave a Reply” box below!

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