Gardening and Life: both need Tending


Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted….a time to break down, a time to build up…..and a time to lose, and a time to keep….  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I like to garden and tend plants, weed out nasty things detracting from them. There is a quietness to the work, my hands get dirty, yet I have the satisfaction of a job that shows. The grounds are a bit neater, there is less crowding and everything looks a bit fresher. And the plants seem so appreciative. They stand fuller, blossom with bright buds and seem to be thankful for the attention.

Presently, temperatures here have been in the high 80’s to mid 90’s. My plants and flowers are DROOPING, and look SAD. There are no vibrant colors and some have actually died, despite watering. There is a dismal look to the plants—some are leggy, limbs are browned with little leaves. With this heat, the plants don’t have enough to thrive. The conditions are too hot, the sun too bright and strong. So although the plants are striving to survive, they are not thriving. The extra high temps have lasted too long for the plants to flourish.

I miss the satisfaction of seeing my plants hardy and pretty, but I know when the weather breaks, all will return to robust life. This is the awkward stage when nurturing and caring are still important, and I wonder if I should cut all back. But the steadiness and continued care will get us through this stage.

But it reminds me as I look with a touch of sadness, that this can also look like our lives sometimes. we hit a rough patch–illness, worrisome children or parents who need care, a troubled marriage, or maybe a job that causes stress and angst. Troubles come at various times, and we can feel beaten down like the abused plants in front of me. But if we get nurturing from first our Father and creator, then our friends or family, we are able to better maintain the course and “Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. We can continue the march with less stress, less worry.

And if there are times when the torment of worry tries to invade you walk, life and thoughts, remember that Satan is always trying to knock you from your path and cause you upset. Continue to be courageous and not dismayed. God’s got this…and you.

Be patient with the different stages of life. Continued care and nurture get us through to the other side, and better times.

For now, I wait, water, and wonder about cutting back. Wait patiently. For now, I wait a little uncertain about the flowers, but also can be with life’s trials. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.  Psalm 27:14.

I pray I’ll always walk courageously and remembering to push Satan from ‘mybellaviews.’

 

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