Meet the Jerusalem Artichoke

It may surprise you to know that the Jerusalem Artichoke is not from Jerusalem and is not an artichoke! The Jerusalem Artichoke is a beautiful member of the daisy and sunflower family. Her bright yellow petals and sunny disposition bring a ray of light as summer transitions into fall. She lives in community with her sisters and continually spreads her love as her family is ever increasing. Standing tall at a height between six to ten feet, reaching for the sun comes naturally. As you step closer, you will get a whiff of her vanilla-chocolate aroma. Yes, I said chocolate! As if her happy face was not enough, God gave us a flower that smells like comfort food!

If this were all there was to the Jerusalem Artichoke, it would be enough. Her joy is infectious. But there is more! Her tear shaped leaves tug at the soul as a reminder that although there are tears on this side of heaven, joy outshines sorrow as we reach for the son.

This beauty is a late bloomer, as her flowers blossom from August to October. Her tubers are best dug up and consumed after the beauty has faded. Easily considered past her usefulness, dead for any real purpose, the Jerusalem Artichoke’s real gift is under the surface. Buried in the rich soil is a harvest of life-giving sustenance. Patience is needed. If dug up too soon, her tubers will still have worth and nutrition, but immaturity will leave you with painful gas. It is best to unearth this treasure at maturity that comes through the winter months. Her winter harvest is worth the wait. When the long winter transitions into spring, she is ready to start her life cycle all over again as the remnants of her past left deep in the fertile soil begin to grow into new life season after season.

I love the Jerusalem Artichoke as a metaphor for my story. I am friendly and silly, but there is more to me than that. I am a late bloomer. My worth has always been there, but God is slowly helping me to grow and mature into something more. He has used me for his purposes despite my quirkiness and immaturity, but I have high hopes that he has more for my winter years.

I hope you will join me for the journey as God produces a harvest. I still have so much to learn as I stumble my way through college as a "mature"(aka older) student, continue to navigate mental health issues (anxiety and depression are no fun, but God is faithful), and figure out what’s next as my kids grow up and life as a military family is far behind me (but still such a big part of me). You can expect an honest take on the things God brings to my heart and mind, book recommendations, recipes, guest bloggers, fun facts, places to share your thoughts, silly moments, and more. I am taking it as it comes, so God is literally the only one who really knows what’s next! But there will be joy in the journey and it won’t be the same without you!