9/12/20

REBUKE OR EXHORTATION?

This post was written for Five Minute Friday.
Word prompt--COULD
Five minutes to free write about it.

This week's prompt felt like a rebuke, arriving as it did in the midst of my grief over my prized violet. 

Once a magnificent sight to behold, its amazing story had inspired a children's picture book I started writing but never finished. Now, I told myself, it was too late. Just one more missed opportunity to add to my long list of regrets.

A short trip down memory lane brought to mind many things I could have done, should have done but didn't, as well as some others that I did do, but could have or should have done differently. And then, unexpectedly, I was diverted from these thoughts by some startling questions.

How do I know the door to my book has closed? Am I perhaps buying into a lie that I can't tell the story of what was, because of how things look now? Maybe the prompt is a Divine exhortation to pick up where I left off and finish what I started, rather than a rebuke? 

13 comments:

  1. God will lead you. Book ot no book. I think book myself. Much to my shame houseplants and I do not go together. My husband has banned me from getting anywhere near them. I hope your violet makes a recovery x visiting from fmf #4 x

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    1. Thanks. I hope so too. Just re-potted it today.

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  2. I read somewhere yesterday that 'could' is not always negative but can be viewed as a promise - so I think you definitely could still write your book if you so choose. If God wills, it's not too late! Sorry about your violet - I'm not that way inclined myself, so the fact that you got it to bloom in the first place is something to be applauded and not regretted :)

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  3. Definitely...don't give up so easily!

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    1. I just repotted the violet. Have not given up on it yet.

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  4. I like your take... that the could is not a rebuke but rather an invitation. Take it up! :)

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  5. I'm so sorry about your violet. I've been there.

    Cancer's been a stern rebuuke
    to all the dreams I dreamt;
    like a heartles Mamluke,
    it has coldly sent
    the hopes I had to dull limbo,
    the bright thoughts to a grave,
    but in my heart I think I know
    a God who's come to save
    the ashes rom the cold grey pit,
    the things that I held dear,
    and to these He'll gladly fit
    a lens that keeps them clear,
    that in His good and gracious reign
    I shall find my dreams again.

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    1. Thanks, Andrew, but I have not given up on it yet. Just repotted it this morning.

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  6. Hope that shrinking Violet rejuvenates ...
    My MiL used to water her violets with the left over tea from dinner. they thrived.
    Me?? I can kill a plant faster than you can shake a stick at...
    Sue

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  7. I think sometimes what we think is a rebuke is a gentle nudge of encouragement. Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a lovely day.

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