How does your Garden Grow


John 21:21,22      Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”  (22)  Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain tell I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11,12    that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

Romans 14:12    So then each of us will give an account of himself to God

Galatians6:4     But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his brother.

 

As many of you know, I enjoy gardening. I’m not all that knowledgeable, and truly I mostly see a plant that I like—pretty color or blossoms, thrives good in my area, or something—and with usually no research, I buy, usually two since I want symmetry, and dig a hole, add some gardening soil or dirt from my compost bin, and plop it in and hope it grows. I usually water after, but if weather forecast predicts rain, I won’t. So truly I am not a diligent caretaker of His plants. But I love the blossoms, the colors, the different blooming times, and the fact that it looks like I did something artistic, but it is not my artistry at all. I shop, I find something I like, hope I have a place for it, then come home and wonder if it will look good here…or maybe right here….hmmm, already too crowded. Should we go closer to the road, or does it need a bit more protection so maybe down by the fencing? OK, decision made, find the spade, dig, add good dirt since I am always doubtful the plants will thrive in the sand at the beach; then I say a prayer, plop it in, straighten it out if it looks a tad off kilter, and fill in the hole, adding more good dirt around the top. Say a prayer, and thank Him for the health I have to work it, and for the “harvest” and that’s it.

Because most of the stuff in my garden has been there since we did this design in June of 2008, it is established. It has adapted to hot, dry summer winds, it has made do with the freezing ocean temps and salt spray, as well as my clumsiness. I do week when I see unwanted things popping up—dollar weeds, stringy grass, some fine clover, and wide leaf weeds such as dandelion and so forth. It used to require frequent nurturing, it no longer does. I might have to get out there once monthly. Maybe we have “trained” the weeds and they recognize they are unwanted, so then don’t show, or maybe we have so much planted between my neighbor and myself, the weeds “know” they will die with a rude yank and toss.

I no longer have to work hours at a time weeding and culling and making things better. But God is still weeding, culling things with me, and making me better. Unlike my limited knowledge, He knows precisely how to cut, pull, trim, and remove. And I am so grateful. I might very well be apt to whine and complain as the process is going on, “Is it truly that bad? What about You -know -who?  But-but..”  He reminds me that my concern should only be for myself and not to worry how He is handling others.  Oh yeah, I read that in John 21:21, 22…..none of my business; I have to be concerned just for me.  It is just me who faces Jesus on Judgment Day, not so and so.

 

I probably sigh dramatically, much as I did in high school, and admit I need a good trimming and go forth. Usually, I change my tune once I realize I have the Master Gardener at work. Whether I am ready or not, here it comes. One of the things I did learn dealing with those difficult teen years, if I complained about the discipline, it lasted longer. If I went in my room, was well behaved, with no WHINING, the sentence of being grounded was lifted sooner. It was extended the more I complained and argued.

I certainly don’t know if I look better once the weeds are yanked, and the plants are trimmed and fertilized and nurtured, but I know some of the many faults and sinful things attached to my nature have been dealt with, and I present better. Certainly, I look better to the Master Gardener, and that’s the best way my garden can look.

I am so glad the Gardener knows exactly how to weed me and ‘mybellaviews.’

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