Submitted by Karen Jaedicke of Fort Bragg, NC
My first attempt at a vegetable garden was a disaster! I was born and raised a city girl and had moved to the country, in the heart of a farming community. Several ladies were excited to introduce me to so many new things: gardening, canning, quilting and even driving a tractor. We started with gardening.
I quickly learned the amount of effort (make that hard work) that went into growing one’s own food. With the help of a few friends and a tiller, we eventually had a patch ready. With great excitement, I made rows and began planting various seeds; zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, corn, potatoes and more. Then I waited to enjoy the fruits of my labor. The next time I went out to check (several weeks later) the entire garden was overrun with WEEDS.
Now I know at this point some of you are laughing. But remember, I am a city girl, and no one had mentioned that after you have planted you have to care for, weed and maintain the garden. I only expected to find fully developed, healthy fruits and vegetables more succulent than any commissary or grocery store. What a surprise for this girl!
Our spiritual lives are much like a garden. The seeds that are planted there on a Sunday morning, at PWOC, or by a conversation with a friend, must be watered, nourished and cared for. And the weeds! They are constantly working to wrap themselves around our beautiful plantings. Only consistent, purposeful care can keep out the things that try to change our focus, steal our joy, and defeat our spirit. I’m sure glad God takes on the job of Master Gardener, aren’t you? I hope you’re asking Him daily to walk with you through the garden and see what needs His attention. I know I am.
……my Father is the gardener. John 15:1
