THE LORD IS MY GARDENER…
A TALE OF THREE GARDENS
Did I catch you off guard? Surely, He is my Shepherd, as well. In fact, I’ll have another blog about that one. But, as I sit here on a chilly January morning, with a very persistent cat on my lap that is vying for my attention, I am recalling springtime, and how I look forward to planting again. And I’d like to share with you about my Gardener. In fact, He is a Master Gardener.
I am an avid gardener myself. I try to tend to something every day, weather permitting, even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes. It’s very therapeutic, and, as my dear momma used to say, I am blessed with a green thumb. I have so many plants, and cuttings from plants, that it would take the entire blog to list all of them, so I’ll just share two of my favorites.
I love growing antique roses and miniature roses. The antiques often have such a lovely bouquet that you don’t typically find in big box varieties. When the flowers begin to wane, I snip them, drying and storing them for later, as they make a delightful cup of tea, with the added benefit of some vitamin C.
I also grow my own herbs, both for cooking and for immune booster purposes. As the purpose of this blog is not about this, I encourage you to search these things on the internet to find out more about them. But, I will say, adding fresh herbs to cooking is the way to go! Talk about aroma!!!
So, are you ready to walk through some Gardens with the Lord and me? I have had experiences of walking through at least three types of Gardens with my Lord. Sometimes, there would simply be one type, and that would be it for the day. Other days, all day long, we would walk, and all three types would be visited.
The first Garden is a type of Garden of Eden, in which God and I simply walk through the cool of the day. It is His Garden. He walks with me and He talks with me…and, yes, the joy we share is so very intimate, tailor-made for us. He shows me the firmament of the heavens, and how He is in control of everything. I don’t need to be concerned about a thing. He shows me all of His handiwork here on earth – everything runs like clockwork. It is all so exquisite. In the deep forests, He walks as if He were a Lantern, not simply just carrying one (I John 1:5). He teaches me about His Goodness and His Character, His Awesomeness and His Trustworthiness. He instructs me how to be more like His Son, the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley. I find myself wanting this walk to go on forever. Surely, He is the Master Gardener, and I am overwhelmed with His Loveliness.
The next Garden is akin to the Garden of Gethsemane. I do not cherish going to this Garden, per se, but I go, knowing from experience that I must. Sometimes, the need for this Garden is to grasp the prayer rock, as I sweat and pray through deep intercession for others. Sometimes, I am brought here to bow low, humbly confessing my sins, knowing the pain I have caused my Lord, and sometimes others. The Master Gardener knows just what to do here, as well. As I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive me of those sins, and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). This is where the Gardener prunes me, refines me, purges me of anything that does not belong. Any dead branches, anything out of place – the Master Gardener goes to work. I want Him to.
The last Garden is my Garden! It is the path through life He has for me. It is filled with the gifts He has given me, as well as the challenges. Here, again, the Master Gardener shows me how to use the gifts and work through the challenges. He teaches me what to plant during certain seasons, and when to rest and not plant at all. I have nine special pots of delightful herbs. Their names are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control (Galatians 5:22-23). One or more of these is always calling my name, needing special attention….hmmmm. One last thing: The Master Gardener teaches me how to grow clippings and cuttings, so that I can share my Garden with others!
Oh, how I love to share my Garden with other people, telling them about the Master Gardener, and how He will walk through the Gardens of their lives as well. Whether it is the cool of the day and I am learning about my Lord and His wonderful ways, or I am kneeling besides my bed in agony over my own sins or over a lost loved one, or, finally, I am traveling through my own life and learning to use the gifts God has given me to His Glory, I will certainly always be an avid gardener! And, no matter what is to be enjoyed, corrected, or grown, I have the greatest Master Gardener the world could never imagine. And, so do you!
Let me know if you’re a gardener, too! Blessings upon blessings! Until next time.
Teri