Grace

Rick and I have put a good deal of combined effort into our island flower bed this year. Besides all the weeding, we've added six PJM rhododendrons, a dozen miniature dahlias, and a dozen marigolds. Well, the deer have taken out two of the rhodies, and the bugs are making life, not to speak of blooming, difficult for the annuals.

Then there's this volunteer dahlia. Standing taller by far than the varieties I've planted there the last two years, it is lush with foliage and buds, and this, its first blossom. Reminded me for some reason of God's grace. We have little to show in that island bed for all our efforts, but were still given this gift, unmerited. I'm keeping it watered, to be sure. Kinda like obeying God because of what He has given us, not to earn it.

That's it for now at . . .