The Parable of the Tithonia

Flowers in one of our flower beds

It was generally a great season for our amateurish gardening efforts this summer.

Flowers grew to unusual heights here at Gatescroft.

Apparently the growth phenomenon wasn't limited to our backyard.

One of the gardening blogs I enjoy, Garden in a City,  recorded a similar pattern. 
 In the case of the city gardener, it was the Mexican Sunflower that grew to massive proportions.

The blogger noted:  "...we cannot be blind to the flaws of those whom we love. 

This past week I learned about such a flaw."

His (or could be her) lovely Tithonia had grown to seven and eight foot heights!

Its normal height is four to six feet.

At its unusual height, it couldn't stand up to pounding rains.  

"The stems are thick but not flexible. 

They crack but do not bend if the weight and force of the water is great enough," 

the gardener noted.

Of the four plants originally planted along the driveway,

only one survived and was promptly staked to a ten-foot length of rebar.

As I read the account of the Tithonia,

I couldn't help but think of people. 

Leaders and celebrities in the world in general and in Christendom.

Those who "grow" in actual position and/or perception beyond their "normal" status.

Like the Mexican Sunflower, too many of such folk crack 

under adverse internal and external weights and forces.

Some don't "survive",

and those who do need to be promptly "staked" to strong support systems.

 Bottom line?

We "can't be blind to the flaws of those we love"

and must be diligent in tending to our own!

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 
I Corinthians 10:12