Dormant

Seemingly dormant in the ground,
in the spring flowers are found:
snowdrops, crocus,
daffodils, tulips.

Eleven long months they waited,
quietly preparing while bated,
then pushing their way up through the sod -
a rainbow of colorful spring bulbs nod.

Dormant, no longer, they arrive
announcing they are alive.
Everyone's happy spring is no longer dormant
as each new season is welcomed with much excitement.

Then perennials push their way
up through the sod and thankfully stay
the whole summer producing a bright array
of blooms that make a beautiful outdoor bouquet.

Come fall these same flowers return dormant
to rest throughout winter's internment.
Temporarily buried under the snow,
to return delighting us next year, we know.

Weed seeds dormant in the soil
will one day make for toil
for when the rains come
weeds are sure to come.

Not seen
until green
when unwelcome weed seeds
sprout everywhere indeed.

Dandelions,
thistles, plantain,
lamb's quarters, summer bamboo, red root,
chicory, velvet leaf will shoot.

On and on
without end
from springs' beginning
until summer's end.

And for many years to come thereafter
these weed seeds, once dormant, grow then prosper
despite regular mulching
around flowers growing.

In the winter dormant;
in the summer present:
ants, flies, worms, beetles, slugs,
mosquitoes, insects, grubs.

Gardeners combat
with sprays and/or bats.
Some even buy blue lights
that zap when bugs alight.

Dormant they hibernate,
then foliage they ate
or humans they bite
then humans strike.

If humans strike
mosquitoes that bite,
dormant they'll be
for eternity.

* * * * *

Our spiritual lives should never grow dormant.
We should pursue, for that is what is meant,
relationship with the Lord each day
for the Lord desires to guide you always.
You'll find relationship
is a close friendship.

Relationship through prayer
when you share with God your cares.
Then be sure to share
your answered prayers
for others need encouragement
to keep them from growing dormant.

Relationship through scripture
for scripture teaches, for sure.
It leads by example with stories
of characters with the same worries.
There are verses that will build up
when you feel like giving up.

A well-worn Bible shows
that that is where one goes
when heavy burdens and woes
leaves one feeling low from blows.
One finds one's faith will always grow
from a favorite verse they know.

And God's Word is full of guidance to help us steer clear
of choices or decisions that could possibly smear.
It is a daily road map to lead us
as well as a survival guide for us.
You'll find joy when you follow its directives
for the Bible teaches us the right way to live.

Relationship built through doing good
for a caring mind and sharing hands should
be used to imitate Christ-likeness
as part of our daily quest.
Christ-likeness will display our relationship
with God as we make new God-given friendships.

The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11

For everything that was written in the past
was written to teach us,
so that through endurance
and the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16

Be imitators of God, as dearly loved children
and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2