Death bloom, leaving a legacy!
Did you know that a "succulent death bloom" happens when some plants die after a final bloom? Some of the monocarpic succulents like Aeonium, Agave, Flapjack, and Sempervivum produce really tall flower stalk from the centre of the rosette, and after a full bloom that plant dies. These flowers attract lots of pollinators, seeds are dispersed and even leave behind many pups or tiny plants around the base to complete their lifecycle. When succulents flower, it is a sign of a healthy plant, seasonal changes, maturity and even preparations to reproduce or propagate. The word monocarpic comes from the Greek words mono meaning one and karpos which means fruit and they flower or fruit only once in their lifecycle whereas polycarpic plants bloom multiple times in their lifespan.
In my journey of life, as today being the 34 years death anniversary of my mum, I was reminded that life is very short and what legacy am I leaving behind? And on looking back, my life would have been so different or may not have survived, if I didn't experience God's love personally. It's not the earthly inheritance or the success that I am talking about, it's leaving a legacy of love, integrity, forgiveness and faithfulness. When life happens, to be there in person to make some positive impact in somebody else's life is sharing Gods love. This is also to have an attitude to help, a willing heart to listen, that extra time to share, and to be there with compassion. For many years I lived in self pity and in regrets, because of the anger and unforgiveness that I had towards God, for letting things happen. Not talking about it was my way of dealing, and avoiding the reality. Those deep rooted wounds had a negative impact on my life and in some of the choices that I made, even running away from God. HE used these difficult times to build my faith and was walking along with me through my struggles. God's timing and His ways will have lots of unanswered questions and that is faith. I am so thankful for our God who is always forgiving, that we can repent and go back to Him everyday. I have understood that nothing could fill that gap of loss, and that pain would never go away, but I am always covered in my Lord's unconditional love. It takes lots of time and effort to understand the goodness of God. Holding on to His promises by studying His word, praying about everything and living to create a Godly legacy, to love and to be responsible to the people that HE has given us. This God given lifecycle can have miraculous transformation, a complete exchange, when we surrender all to Jesus who suffered and died only for our sins. Then, HE will produce in us all the growth, blossoming and fruits that we could never have achieved by ourselves.
I am sure that we all want our lives to matter to someone, and to be remembered for the right things with the time we have on this earth. What legacy are you leaving behind in your cycle of life?