I know, it is well past Christmas. This photo was actually taken in 2020. It is the earliest photo I have of this cactus.

It was taken just after planting. The next photo shows its growth the first winter we were out here.

I was so excited to see this growth after a year!

When I came back for a later visit, it looked like this. New growth at the top, but look at those big, ugly cracks! We overwatered it. Cacti have pleats that will expand and contract to accommodate variations in water levels. But with too much water, they will crack open.

It was so ugly, I considered pulling it out and replacing it.

But I left it. After another absence and subsequent return, I found this!

Still had that ugly gash, but definitely displaying new growth!

And it was having babies too!

These last two photos were taken recently. The scars are there, but they are overshadowed by the beauty of the new growth.

I’m so thankful that I didn’t abandon this when things got ugly.

It occurs to me that this cactus is a picture of my life. God didn’t abandon me when things got ugly. He heals my wounds and allows new growth. Yep, the scars are still there, but they are no longer the first thing you notice. There is growth in unexpected places.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed with several other of our cacti, that damage of one sort or another is often followed by a growth spurt.

I know this beauty will likely sustain future damage, from drought or mishandling by its caretaker (that would be me). But I’ve learned that this is not the end, but rather a new beginning.

Have a great day!