Passing variegation tests
Did you know plants that produce leaves with irregular spots, colours, patches or blotches are called variegated plants? This is derived from the Latin word "variegatus" which means made of various sorts of colours. They become variegated after a genetic mutation, when the plant cannot adapt to their living conditions and so changes the colour. Another reason for this is the uneven distribution of the different pigments. The primary pigment chlorophyll, generally gives the green colour or it can be the absence of chlorophyll giving the lighter shades on the leaves. When other pigments like anthocyanin and carotenoids take over, there can be more variation in colours. This colour change can return to normal when the conditions of growth are ideal. These variegated plants are an obsession for some collectors as they are special, expensive and sought after. So I decided to test this process, to get some variegation on this pot of Haworthia Cooperi as in Photo 1, ignoring the succulent the last few autumn/winter months. I got some changes in colour on the leaves and transferred that plant into a new pot as seen in Photo 2. This variegation may have occurred due to the intensity of changes in the environment- temperature, days of direct sunlight and heavy rains.
Similar to this in our spiritual journey, we all go through different versions of testing of our faith. When we go through trials we know who we really are, the true colours can be seen coming out. There were so many times in my life that circumstances made me an emotional wreck. Getting offended really quickly, staying angry and other times sad, down and walking around carrying that dark cloud, depressed. One day could be very different from the next day. Then there were other times, the more I prayed and sought God, the worse I became. This was trying to do something about situations or struggles that I couldn't do anything about, leading to more and more frustrations. I studied the word and understood that I had to give my all, trusting God fully, and handing over the reins of my life to HIM personally to see changes in me.
We know that we are tripart beings with a Spirit, soul and body. We are made up of a Spirit which is the breath of life that God has given us. Holy Spirit as our helper, our comforter that speaks to our conscience to convict us of our sins and convince us of righteousness. A soul that consists of our mind, will and emotions and a body which is the physical part of us. There are many verses in the Bible which mentions that God tests our heart, emotions and thinking powers. Tests do not come in good times, the attitudes of our hearts comes out through our trials when we are under pressure. He will never allow us to be tested beyond our ability, and has promised to be with us always. We should learn to live by faith over our feelings and not to let our emotions control our life. As we go through tests and continue to do what is right even when we do not feel like it, that is developing the character, wisdom, spiritual maturity and being faithful to God. To understand that we are becoming a new creation, as this new plant in the pot with new colours.
Are you on a rollercoaster ride with emotions or ready to work through these tests as your testimonies and opportunities for spiritual growth?
3 comments - Passing variegation tests
Thankfull ttobe apart of your journey.