Of Gardens, 9-18-2016

Last month we talked about the power of words and how powerful our words can be.  I sincerely hope that y’all were able to find good words to write in a card and share them with others.  We may never know how sweet words of encouragement may build someone up.  In many ways, our words might be a little seed or a little water on someone else’s seed. 

Today, I’d like to go for a walk in the Garden.  Frances Bacon begins his essay titled “Of Gardens” with this quote, “God Almighty first planted a garden.  And indeed, it is the purest form of human pleasures.”

We have started the Disciple One Bible Study at Gruene and our readings last week centered on Genesis and the creation stories.  In additional study, I read about Gardens and Eden and seeds, scattering, nurturing and growth.  The people of Genesis lived in the dessert – it was dry and harsh and only green and lush around sources of water, an area called an oasis.  The Garden of Eden was like an oasis in the dessert.  It was a beautiful place where Adam and Eve could walk and talk with God.  

This is probably why “prayer gardens” are popular – we desire to create a safe place where we can go to commune or chat with God, surrounded by His miraculous, beautiful handiwork.  I have a “prayer garden” that is too often neglected.  I can see it out the windows.  This year the zinnias are tall and wild and Oh! so pretty!  A cardinal family had their nest in the Bougainvillea this spring and the bees just love the Roses and Esperanza.  I know I need to go out there more, but God also created Mosquitoes.  I am pretty sure that I am their favorite snack!  And even though I don’t spend time IN the garden, I can look out the window and pretend to be out there, working and talking with God. 

I also believe that we can find Spirituality in the Garden.  The physical labor of digging In the dirt, planting seeds, dragging the hose or watering can from plant to plant can help us feel closer to God.  We think about what we need to do to nourish the soil, to add fertilizer and mulch; how we plant the seeds, or turn bulbs the proper way.  Isn’t it miraculous how we can plant a seed “upside down” and it knows to grow roots down and stem up, leaves stretching towards the sun?  The little seedlings have to be watered and then weeded and sometimes thinned out.  We have to watch for mildew or disease or unfriendly bugs.  A garden needs continual care and offers a great opportunity for praise and worship and prayer.  I often listen to spiritual or Christian books or music while I putter around outside.  And then, when it starts to get too sunny or hot, I’ll find a spot in the shade to sit and sip cold water and just Be.  To sit quietly and rest, to watch the bees and butterflies and listen to the birds.  That is the best time – after a time of hard work - to sit and Be Still.

Another grand aspect of Gardens is the fact that they grow things.  Many places in the Bible remind us of the miracle of growth.  In First Corinthians, Chapter 3, Verses 6 and 7, Paul writes:

⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ⁷ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Spreading the Good News of God’s love and mercy can be described as scattering seeds:  by Serving others; Offering encouragement or comfort; Listening with compassion; Praying for those who suffer; Inviting others to worship; Inspiring children in Arts or Sciences or Music; Small gifts, individual prayers, acknowledgement of a kindness or service.  Even the smallest of actions can be seeds that will someday grow into trees of Faith and Service.

Remember, too, that some seeds lie dormant, they may seem to be dead – but they are not.  Bluebonnet seeds are very tough, they have a hard shell and it takes the wet of the rains to soften the outer layer so the plant can begin to germinate.  They take a very long time to sprout and grow.  In some years, the seeds don’t get enough moisture and they fail to sprout at all, but they come up robust and strong the next year.  Bluebonnets are a beautiful reminder of the changing seasons, endurance and nature’s adaptability.  Whether it’s wildflowers or vegetables or other garden plants, we know that what ultimately appears, beautiful or ugly, depends upon the seed.  Our hearts, like the earth, can only cultivate that which we have received from God.  Growth cannot be forced by any human influence and the silent process of the Divine plan must be trusted.  We must scatter Good, Wholesome seeds and Pray with expectation that those seeds will grow.

Lastly, in addition to scattering seeds and working in our Gardens, we must also acknowledge the seeds that have been sown within ourselves.  What do we possess that needs watered or fertilized?  We each have the responsibility to cultivate what we have been given.  So, as we enter this Autumn season of fall planting, let us remember that our words and actions can be fruitful seeds; the Gardens of our life need continual care and nurturing; and we have and abundance of love and joy and grace – the Good News – that still needs to be scattered and shared with everyone we meet.

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father, we submit ourselves to your will, that you may cultivate and grow within us the seeds that you have planted.  The seeds of Love, Mercy, Faith and Joy.  We pray that these seeds may germinate and grow and flower – bursting forth from our beings like the bluebonnet seeds pop out of their pods.  May the words we speak and our actions with others scatter on good soil and grow the Garden of your Promises, nourished with Living water.

Amen
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