In our area at this time of year, hydrangea bushes are starting to come into full bloom.  These popular bushes come in a variety of colors from a pale yellowish white to a deep purple, with shades of green, lavender, pale blue and pink in between.  We actually have two growing our yard, one a luscious light blue and the other a fledgling of a bush with pale greenish blue blooms.  My next door neighbor has some growing near the property lin that are a rich deep purple.  They grow well in our area because the uphold under heat and can thrive in the shade.  One thing we understand is that depending on the type of soil they are planted in, they may or not maintain the color that we originally planted.  It seems that based on the types and quantities of minerals and acidity in the soil, hydrangeas will change their color.  It’s all in the soil.

This reminds me of a parable Jesus tells and explains in Matthew 13 in which he describes how a sower drops seeds into the ground and based on the type of soil the seeds land in, they either grow to an extent then die or finally planted in good soil they thrive and produce an increase.  The seed represents the Word of God and the soil represents our hearts/our willingness to receive the Word of God.  Sometimes the Word will land on rocky soil and can’t take root.  Other times it may land in thorny or weedy soil in which case the seed grows but eventually gets choked off by the thorns and weeds.  But the seed that lands in rich and fertile soil, will grow and thrive to the point of being able to bear more seed/harvest.  It’s all in the soil.

So if you are growing hydrangeas and you want the blooms to be a certain color, you must be sure that you provide it with the appropriate minerals and fertilizer to make it happen.  if you want to grow in Spirit you must be sure that you provide a heart that is receptive, eager and open to listen to what the Word has to say and then respond appropriately.  It’s all in the soil.