My sister Catherine first taught me about “volunteers.” She used the word while showing me around her beautiful summer garden, I didn’t understand what she was talking about. She was referring to the hardy plants that had taken up residence in the garden voluntarily.  

They were plants from another part of her garden or perhaps from her neighbor’s garden which appeared in another area and had begun to grow and thrive. They may have arrived by bird, by wind or even a squirrel. I thought it was quite miraculous that these little fragile plants could survive to grow without encouragement or plan in her garden looking beautiful and adding variety to her plot. 

This Spring, I have several of these miracle volunteers in my little patio garden. In October, I found a tiny tomato plant growing in the shelter of a larger ornamental plant. I carefully transplanted it into its own larger pot, and I now have a full-grown plant covered in ripening tomatoes! Miracle! 

I found another tomato plant all alone in a big pot later this winter. It now has full possession of the pot, and one tiny green tomato is beginning to grow. Miracle! 

Then, there are the hardy mums springing up in the midst of the reseeded dill plants. The basil flourishing in another pot from the seeds of last year’s crop. Just in time for Easter, I have four pots of white lilies leftover from last year which I have watered but didn’t have much hope for results which are beginning to blossom. Miracle! 

Lastly and most impressively, there is a sturdy little marigold plant blooming away from the base of my cement patio wall. There’s no soil there, none! It is growing larger and larger as the weather warms. Miracle! 

I consider these volunteers miracles and blessings from our loving God, who cherishes all his creations and delights in our happiness at observing them and loving them also. If you ever need a refresher in God’s unconditional love, take a minute to look outside at the living organisms around you. Even in the concrete jungles of the world, you can find the stubborn dandelion growing through the cracks of the sidewalk with only God’s aid. 

Have a wonderful day and remember that God loves you unconditionally! 

Terri