The wonders of our gardens remind us of God’s creation. I am so glad God is in the details and has an everlasting eye for beauty. Our sovereign God shares His creation with us every day. Graciously allowing us to garden so we, too, can experience the art of creating something wonderful and vibrant. More so, giving us the ability to share our creations with others!
The Bible says in Psalm 19:1 that God’s glory is on tour in the skies, and God’s craft is on exhibit across the horizon. (The Message Bible (MSG)) Have you ever thought about God’s view of your garden? Or have you ever pondered as you work your garden that the garden your hands care for is declaring God’s glory?
Sometimes, in our rush to spring forth our gardens, we find we are constantly on the go. We need to prune roses, clear out garden beds, refill garden boxes with dirt, buy seeds, and plant seeds, and the to-do list just keeps you going. Stop! Before the Spring rush to get the growing season going, stop yourself and spend time with God in your garden. Lift thanks and gratitude for the ability to garden and reflect on the healing that not only needs to take place in your garden but also in you. Give God your hopes for your garden. Ask God how your garden can give Him glory. How will your garden reflect the creative nature of our God? How can your garden provide peace, joy, and hope for others?
Edith Schaffer once wrote, “A Christian, who realizes he has been made in the image of the Creator God and is therefore meant to be creative on a finite level, should certainly have more understanding of his responsibility to treat God’s creation with sensitivity, and should develop his talents to do something to beautify his little spot on the earth’s surface.” The Hidden Art of Homemaking.
As gardeners, we can beautify a little spot and share our finite garden with whomever God sends our way. Even though our gardens may have limits, God’s plans for our gardens are not limited. We have the opportunity this spring, before any seeds are in the ground, to surrender our gardens and allow God to use our gardens to grow His kingdom.
How, you might ask. Well, your garden is a wonder of creation, lovingly and tenderly cared for and not only growing good things to eat. It also contributes to beauty; it is a place that reverences nature and all things great and small. Your garden can compassionately guide others to peace and make peace with others. Your garden provides lessons of the seasons and a path to wonderful awakenings for both eyes and souls. Your garden reflects God’s growing work in you. And just like fireflies draw children out into dusk, your garden and your gardening lifestyle can, if you allow it, be an Eden for others. Your garden can produce fruit that impacts eternity.
Here are a few ideas:
- Invite someone over to help you plant your garden. Maybe an elderly neighbor or someone who would like to learn to garden.
- I had an elderly loved one help me fill small pots with soil and drop seeds into them to give to others one Spring.
- A few years ago, I walked a young woman through a garden store who never planted anything and helped her plant pots up for her townhouse patio.
- Purchase seeds for someone else.
- Share your garden dreams with your children or grandchildren and let them pick seeds and plants for your garden.
- I have also grown veggies and flowers in trays to give to others to plant
This season …
G – Give Grace
A -amidst the blooms reflect on God’s goodness
R- reactivate relationships
D- disk doubts
E – evoke a vision
N – nurture others
As always- let’s ripen together!
Kimberly Bloom
