Our trumpet vine surprised us this fall with something we’ve never seen it do before.
To begin with, let me share what we enjoy about the trumpet vine during the summer:
In addition to providing resources for our honeybees, the trumpet vine is a favorite of the local hummingbirds.
On the flip side, trumpet vine requires attention so it doesn’t take over the yard.
In spite of being severely cut back every year, this is what it looks like at the end of the season. It’s over one story tall!
This year we had two bird nests built in the middle of it.
Trumpet vine roots send up shoots everywhere. Here’s one coming up along the base of our bulkhead door.
Shoots pop up between the boards of our deck, in the middle of our lilies and hydrangeas, and even out in the lawn where they’re mown down.
Branches that touch surfaces send out rootlets to grab onto things so they can climb ever higher, but sometimes these rootlet grow into the soil itself.
If I cut this branch from the trunk, this rooted part would just keep growing!
Rootlets that grab hold of building material can cause damage. We pulled some of the vine off the shingles of our house where it had been sneaking up, and with it came lovely blue shingle stain. We’ll have to touch up those spots later.
Now for our surprise this year: our trumpet vine grew two seed pods for the first time since we moved here six years ago!
Knowing how much work it takes to keep our one vine under control, I wasn’t too interested in letting nature take its course this time.
I picked both pods, and decided to cut one open. I was so glad I hadn’t left them on the plant when I saw what was inside!
Can you just imagine how many new vines we’d have sprouting up everywhere?? It looks like once the seeds matured and the pod popped open, they’d be easily dispersed by the wind to be carried who knows where.
Whew, glad I caught that when I did!
Life Multiplied
The trumpet vine sends out new life in the forms of new shoots that grow from the roots, from side branches that become rooted themselves, and from seeds that drop from mature seed pods. It’s not limited to one method of multiplication!
As followers of Christ, what if we considered all of the different ways we could encourage new growth in those around us?
Living Examples
Folks are watching, whether we want them to or not. What are they seeing in the way we live our lives?
“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:2 NLT).
Speaking Life
Who is listening to what we say? Are we speaking words of life or death?
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29).
Meeting Needs
Needs come in many forms: physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional.
God has given each of us resources to be able to meet some needs, but not others. How has he gifted you? What are you able to use to support life in others?
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Romans 12:6-8).
But wait, there’s more!
In addition to being living examples, speaking life, and meeting needs, there are many more ways that we can support the spiritual life of those around us.
What can you add to the list? I’d love for you to share in the comments below!
Lauri Hawley 
I always learn so much from your posts and perspectives, Laura! Beautiful!!
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I learn a lot in writing them! I’m always wondering things, and love to share what I discover. 😊
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Lauri, I understand! I’m curious by nature! Love learning like you!💛
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