In the last few years, I’ve bought several mixed potted plants that include “Creeping Jenny.” That name is perfect for this vigorous, trailing, verdant plant. “Creeping Jenny” is the one plant in a mixed pot that survives to the next year. This plant has qualities that remind me of life seasons and life lessons.
Following are life lessons from “Creeping Jenny”:
Resilience
One of the characteristics of “Creeping Jenny” is its resilience. Without much attention, it withstands frigid winters, pops back from hot summers, and thrives despite general inattention. Sometimes, “Jenny” looks like it’s beyond hope, seemingly lifeless, but then springs forth with new growth. It survives despite the appearance of death.
Resilience is a quality we all need from time to time. When adversity strikes, how well do you bounce back? Resilience involves thinking beyond fear, putting aside what-ifs, looking past current circumstances, and seeing what is required to maintain forward motion.
If you are in a season without hope, if you are feeling emotionally dead, don’t give up. Life seasons come and go. Discouragement, hopelessness, and sadness don’t last forever. Keep looking ahead. Continue praying and live in anticipation of change on the horizon.
Persistence
“Creeping Jenny” thrives, even in places where other plants can’t grow. But for us, thriving in hard seasons of life often feels impossible. Grief, illness, or worry rob us of motivation and halt forward motion.
Persistence involves pushing through when you don’t feel like doing anything. Persistence in prayer makes a difference, despite answers that are slow in coming. Persistent faith changes our perspective.
Simplicity
Although it doesn’t flower, “Creeping Jenny,” with its varying shades of green, boasts simple beauty.
Likewise, we can experience beauty and peace in simplicity. Sometimes, we make things more complicated than necessary. Learning to enjoy small experiences, simple beauty, and joyful moments enhances our lives, pushing away fears and frustrations about what might possibly happen, but usually doesn’t.
Growth
It doesn’t take much for “Creeping Jenny” to grow beyond the edges of the pot, but for us, growth is often more difficult. Personal growth requires honest assessment, intentionality, and effort. And frankly, sometimes, we don’t want to put forth that much effort. But spiritual, emotional, relational, and mental growth add richness to our lives.
A Creeping Caveat
What are you allowing to creep into your life that is detrimental?
When “Creeping Jenny” grows in places it’s not supposed to, like mortar joints, it does damage. Soon the mortar loosens or cracks.
Likewise, we often allow hurt, anger, resentment, jealousy, or other detrimental emotions to creep into our lives and take root. Once negative emotions take hold, they’re difficult to root out. Stay alert to negative “creepers” and deal with them before they infiltrate your heart and mind.
“Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4 CEV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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