
As I sit at my garden window, gazing out into the vibrant expanse of my garden, I am struck by the realization that it is once again time to embark on the exciting journey of planning the garden for the upcoming season. The anticipation of nurturing new life from tiny seeds into flourishing plants fills me with joy and purpose. The garden, a sanctuary of nature's beauty, becomes a canvas where I can express my creativity and love for creation.
We took the necessary steps by ordering our seeds, carefully selecting the varieties that would thrive in our soil and climate. With a sense of purpose, we walked through the garden, contemplating and deciding where each plant would find its home. The layout began to take shape in my mind, a harmonious blend of colors and textures that would soon burst forth in a riot of life.
Carrots will be nestled here, their orange roots hidden beneath the soil, while potatoes will find their place over there, their greenery reaching toward the sky. Aromatic herbs will be strategically planted in another section, inviting bees and butterflies with their fragrant blooms, and beets will be tucked into the rich earth, their deep red colors promising a nutritious harvest. Each decision feels significant, as if I am orchestrating a symphony of life that will resonate throughout the seasons.
As I was planning, my thoughts turned to the profound words of Scripture, specifically Isaiah 61:3, which states, “So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” This passage resonates deeply within me, illustrating the strength and resilience of a tree firmly planted by the Lord. Just like these oaks, which stand tall and unyielding, I am reminded that a life rooted in faith will not fear the trials that may come. When the heat of adversity bears down, those who are planted in righteousness will remain steadfast, their leaves vibrant and green, and they will bear fruit in due season.
Reflecting on my own journey, I recall the days of my youth as a young mother living on a farm, where I had the privilege of teaching my son invaluable lessons about life. Together, we explored the wonders of plants and livestock, instilling in him a sense of responsibility and creativity. Most importantly, we cultivated a deep love for God, recognizing His hand in every aspect of our lives and our work.
One day, my Uncle, a wise and seasoned farmer who managed a large farm in Wisconsin, imparted a crucial piece of advice to me: DIVERSIFY! At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of his words, but as I delved deeper into the world of gardening and farming, I quickly learned that the essence of this advice was to avoid putting all my eggs in one basket.
Life, much like a garden, thrives on diversity and resilience. In the grand scheme of things, the only one we can truly rely on is Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who guides us through the uncertainties of life and teaches us how to grow.
He will lead us as we plant our seeds of faith, nurturing them with hope and love, and in due time, the harvest will come in, overflowing with blessings and abundance. Just as the diligent farmer plants seeds in the ground, trusting that God will provide the necessary rain and sunshine, we too must trust in the divine plan for our lives.
But what about the various plantings of our lives? What about the Gifts of the Spirit that we are each endowed with? The virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity are foundational to our existence, guiding our actions and interactions with others. In 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, we are reminded that each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration within the body of Christ.
Just as a farmer plants for the common good of the community, we too are called to cultivate our gifts and talents for the benefit of others. God has intentionally planted us in this world to serve as a source of goodness and light. Each of us possesses unique abilities and strengths, and while they may vary widely, they ultimately contribute to a fruitful yield that benefits the whole community.
The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30, serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we have to utilize the gifts we have been given. It should resonate deeply within each of us, challenging us to reflect on whether we are fully embracing the diversity of what God has entrusted to us.
But do these lessons truly impact us? Have we become apathetic regarding the diverse gifts that God has bestowed upon us? What about the opinions of others? Are we more concerned with pleasing people by doing nothing, saying nothing, and merely existing, rather than actively engaging in the life that God has called us to?
Those seed packets that lie dormant for my garden are of no value if I do not take the initiative to plant them. Similarly, the gifts and talents that God has placed within us are rendered useless if we fail to put them into action.
Today, I encourage you to stir up the gifts within you. Awaken your talents and passions. Be an inspiration to those around you by becoming a resounding Yes person for God.
Step into the role of many callings carrying forth the messages of hope and love that He has entrusted to us all.
The Kings Ambassador
Dr. Theresa Phillips
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