December 9th ~ Family Advent Calendar 2025
The Strength of Humility: Today, delve into humility.
Near Bethlehem children gather in a circle, their eyes wide with wonder as they listen to the storyteller bring to life the tales of ancient heroes and their humble beginnings. The storyteller, with his fantastically unbelievable tales, is one of the many ways God chooses to reveal the truth.
As the children lean in, captivated by the stories, they learn about the human condition, free will, and the Golden Rule.
“You have good stories and we love you,” laugh the children.
“Then praise God,” answers the man. “Because He gives me the stories and the talent to tell them.”
In this garden, humility blossoms alongside the zinnias, showing the children that by lifting others, we rise together, creating a bountiful community bound by respect and love. Reflect on how humility can guide your own interactions.
Like the storyteller who shares not to boast, but to enlighten, consider how you can cultivate humility in your daily life. Perhaps it's by listening more than speaking, or by offering help without expecting anything in return. Humility opens the door to deeper connections, allowing us to see the world from another’s perspective and to appreciate the beauty in every soul.
As the storyteller concludes the tale, the children scatter among the zinnias, their laughter mingling with the rustle. In this moment, they carry with them the lesson that humility is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to true strength and character. Let the strength of humility guide you today, encouraging you to nurture relationships with warmth and understanding, as you walk the path of life with grace and compassion.
Zinnias: a Rags to Riches Story
Sowing
Zinnias flourish when seeds are sown directly outdoors in late spring. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in an area with well-draining soil. Temperatures between 70-80°F yield the best growth.
Growing
Once planted, zinnias need about 12 inches of space between each plant. They thrive in warm temperatures and prefer full sun with moist, well-drained soil.
Winter Care
Zinnias are annuals and usually complete their lifecycle before winter. However, you can collect and store seeds for planting next season. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
Beautiful Arrangements
Zinnias are versatile, adding a bright and cheerful touch to bouquets, centerpieces, or simply standing out with their rich colors in the garden.
Superpowers
This stunning flower is more than just a colorful addition—it’s known for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden and boosting production of your vegetables and fruit trees.
There’s More!
Zinnias, referred to as “hard on the eyes” by the Aztecs and “eye-sores” by the Spanish conquistadors, derive their name from the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, who first described and cataloged the plant in the early 19th century. A few decades later, they gained popularity among French horticulturists and breeders, who began to cultivate new varieties, resulting in the vibrant and diverse blooms we admire today.
