My Little Garden Patch
This is my little garden patch. Well, the one in my dreams anyway. Those who know me are likely aware of my black thumb, so I honestly wouldn’t even know where to begin to cultivate such a charming array — at least where the soil is concerned. However, I do have a garden patch kind of like this, and so do each of us. It is the little corner of the world we reside in and what we grow is the result of the seeds we plant and water. It’s our thoughts, our relationships, our talents. It’s whatever you put your time and effort into. But it’s up to you what kind of garden you want.
Some are bursting with a variety of pretty little blossoms, full of unexpected surprises at every turn. Some may have less variety than others, but the delicately chosen blooms are enormous and bursting with color. Sadly, some gardens become overrun with weeds and their beautiful florals are choked out by neglect, negativity, and destructive habits.
So what’s in my garden patch? I’d like mine to reflect the first type, meaning it would be full of all sorts of pretty, lovely things; lilacs, daisies, roses, lilies, tulips, peonies, violets, and buttercups. It would be ripe with wild strawberries and sweet raspberries too. I would even have a selection of wildflowers, just in case I’m in the mood for something a little different. Did I forget anything? I figure there’s always room for one more! After all, I am of the mind that “variety is the spice of life” so each type of flower would represent a passion or purpose I pursue.
God has truly given me an appreciation for so many things in His wonderful creation, but more than simply admiring it, I am eager to participate. As time goes by I am discovering the importance of beauty and how it reflects the light of God in this dark world — light that we need for our garden to grow and thrive. It inspires me not only to appreciate the beauty in other people’s handiwork, but to explore as many creative outlets as piques my interest and put beauty out into the world when possible.
But I also know that my garden will only thrive as much as I tend to it. Some parts are sure to do better than others, but if my little corner can make life a little more pleasant, then what an honor that would be! And this brings me to my final thought — a garden is good for nothing at all if it is only there for one person to enjoy. Hopefully, along the way we are able to attract some butterflies, dragonflies, and bumblebees to stay for a spell and make themselves at home. Sometimes it means creating fragrant bouquets to give away. But the absolute best use of any garden is when it’s flourishing to such a degree that you can share cuttings from the best of your bounty to help other gardens thrive. For it is only when the seeds scatter to distant plains that we can truly begin to beautify the whole world and draw others to Christ!
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.”
Isaiah 61:11
