As Spring is creeping in around the corner (yes...I know it's snowing today!) - it is time to think about my garden.
Something in me wants to cut back this year...thinking maybe it's not worth the effort. The more I think about it - that process has become a way of life for me over the past few years.
I get something going, and work hard at it. Then, I see some positive results. Then, I grow a bit tired, and the results are not as positive - but still "better than it used to be." So, I trudge on, sort of resigned to a lower standard of living. It's true in my gardening. And it's true in my life.
The Enemy is very crafty. Lies that sound like truth are often the most effective.
It's easy to scale back the garden and not plant as much this year. But in May, when I have no snap peas for my stir fry, will I regret it? Will my July 4th hamburger miss a fresh home-grown tomato? The answer of course, is YES! Certainly I will miss these things.
In my life, the story is the same. In the past, I have planted bits and pieces of me into other people - by encouraging them and loving them. Over time, I've seen God produce good fruit as a result. But along the way, I somehow grew weary. And then, there was resignation. "It's not worth the effort." "I can't make a real difference anyway, right?"
Finally, I just packed it in and moved to the sidelines. Content to just ride along inside my little coccoon.
Man, how selfish can I be? And how foolish to be so easily deceived?
Scripture is so clear on this. I cannot deny it.
Galatians 6:8-10 (New International Version)
8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that naturewill reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
So I'm going to plant my garden this year. I'm going to toil and labor. I'll raise tomatoes, peas, peppers, and squash. Maybe even a few onions and some lettuce. And in planting, I trust the harvest will be strong and plentiful.
Furthermore, I'm going to labor and toil this year in the garden of my own heart. To turn over the old dried out soil, so that HE can give it new life. To dig and root around to find the places that have suffered from neglect. I'm going to reach out and invest in others, and continue that quest to rescue the hearts and minds of people with whom I cross paths. That was Jesus' purpose...and the same one He's called me to follow.
We've got another week until spring officially comes, but I think I'll take a look at my garden this afternoon. It's wet and cold, but I need a quick reminder that I should always find myself about the business of growing things.
What are you going to grow this year?
