I find myself captivated by Wisteria every year at this time. Partly because it was Cathy’s favorite spring time flower. She really like the purple blooms.
But we never planted any and neither does Jane have any interest in planting Wisteria. The opening words of an article from the website Gardenista say it best.
“The charms of wisteria are almost impossible to resist. Lounging languorously over a fence or pergola, she will beckon to you with her heady perfume. Before you know it, her nodding, pendulous blooms have hypnotized you. Soon you are rushing to the nearest garden center, determined to own her, but be warned. Wisteria has a mind of her own.
You would be wise to take the time to get to know this beauty before you commit to her. Like a Jezebel she will steal your heart and then, after you are weakened and besotted with love, she will set about to dominate your garden and, if possible, your house. Take this caveat to heart: she is fully capable of attempting to murder your other plants.”
Sounds a lot like the Bible’s description of sin, doesn’t it? Can we add gossip and dissension?
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26 NAU)
Wisteria reminds us to be like Moses and think of the outcome before we choose to act or talk.
(I first wrote this in 2016. It’s worth repeating today.)