Years ago, when we purchased our home, I had no idea how to create or care for a garden that produced vegetables and flowers. I remember asking a friend where do I begin? She replied by saying, "Each year, you will learn, and the garden will always be changing."
I remember thinking, "Really, that is all of the advice you are going to give me?" Now that I look back, my friend's words have become real for my experience as a gardener.
Yes, some of the flowers and the arrangements are the same, but the way the plants grow, and variations are always different. I will remember this year, 2020, for the wildflowers, pansies, nasturtiums, calla lilies', sweet peas, morning glories, lots of swiss chard and lettuce, cucumbers, red and purplish tomatoes, and beans.
The morning glories and sweet peas are new to my garden. The morning glories did not bloom, but there are still a few more weeks of warm weather, so maybe they will surprise me. The sweet peas bloomed well; I have always wanted to grow these delicate flowers. In the evening, I enjoy walking past the planters to smell the light fragrance. Impatiens have consistently grown well in my yard, not so this year!
As I write and look ahead to the fall, it feels somewhat like when I planted the garden in the spring. I have no idea how upcoming events will unfold, such as grandchildren going back to school, what church will look like, to personal circumstances that have no set dates. All of the unknowns can leave me feeling overwhelmed with a sense of not knowing how to prepare. I like to be ready, but it seems I need to organize the best I can without knowing the outcome, just like my garden. Plant the seeds and see what will happen.
Life this year has been a breathtaking journey of letting life unfold and embracing the gifts of life that bloom and the ones that die off. Absolutely a year full of significant changes, not only personally but worldwide.
The scripture verse for today was from Zephaniah 3:17.
For the Lord your
God is living among you.
He
is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With
his love, he will calm all your fears.
He
will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
The prophet Zephaniah delivered a message that was hard to hear, warning Judah of the imminent destruction that would come upon them. I am sure the people felt helpless as they listened to the words the prophet proclaimed. Zephaniah ended his message by the prophetic custom of his time, with announcing the future restoration of Gentile nations, then reminding God's chosen people the Israelite's that He would restore their land.
These words of Zephaniah are also words of hope for us today. God desires to restore His people. Everything we have in life is a blessing from Him, even being in His presence and having faith in Christ. We need to pay attention to the many benefits God has given and the presence of Christ with us.
A few questions that came today:
· What are the blessings I am grateful for today?
· What do I consider blessings from God?
· If I were to lose all material things in my life, would I still consider myself blessed?
These questions can cause a struggle within for sure! But if I look at life from the perspective that everything I have is from God, then I can hold on to the promise that I have nothing to fear. God is covering me with love and singing over me with joy and gladness.
I have learned this year, that nothing will be the same, and to give thanks for everything. I can stand on the promises that God is with me (with us) as we walk through these uncertain times. What is important is how we look at our situations and if we can count everything in life a blessing, the good and not so good.
My garden is not perfect, and the flowers are a bit wild, but even so, beauty is all around. Just as I delight in the surprises my garden brings, I can trust God delights in me with gladness as Zephaniah reminds us.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your presence that is always with us. Thank you for teaching us how to abide in Christ so we can have joy abundantly. Thank you for the blessings of every breath we take and being close to you each day. Thank you that we do not need to fear, that the love of Christ is covering us and bringing hope into all of life's situations. I ask, help us to remember you are singing over us with gladness and joy. Thank you, Jesus for being our Saviour and for delighting in us as we live out our life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
If you are interested, here is a YouTube video of Guy Penrod singing, "Count Your Many Blessings," click here.
Stay safe,
Robin
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