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Our stuff is a reflection of us. The boxes we pack are our world and they show how we choose to spend our time, money, and effort. The things we keep, show where we go find purpose, comfort, and enjoyment. Who is the most important in our lives is written all over the moving van. And what we move and leave behind, doubles down or abandons our previous choices. Would you be proud to show God your boxes?  6. Enjoy friendships. Marigolds provide shade and keep certain bugs off tomato plants. We too get support and protection from each other, but only if we reach out. 7. Accept the breeze. Spring in New Mexico invariably means wind as the new weather sets in. The breeze can be annoying or refreshing. It all depends on how it is received. 8. Realize you belong. Every single plant God plants belongs in His garden. He hasn't forgotten or made a mistake. 9. Remember. We have a distinct advantage over plants. Plants do not remember their gardener caring for them last year. But we are blessed because we can look back and see how God has always cared for us -- during storms and drought and chaos. 10. Thrive! Flowers bloom whenever and wherever they can. God's people can be the same because "The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand." -- Psalm 121:5  With spring upon us, we all know that certain plants are content to grow where they are planted while others are downright persnickety! So here are 10 tips gleaned from the garden on contentment. 1. Send those roots down deep into God's Word. Summer is coming and it will be dry and hot. The only way to survive is to have roots that tap into a deep water source. 2. Embrace the moment and be thankful for the good it brings. If there is water available -- enjoy it. If it is sunny -- enjoy it. Both are necessary for growth. 3. Refuse to allow worry in. Worry is a weed. It sucks the moisture and nutrients that should belong to our beautiful garden. 4. Pray. If worry has taken root, pull it out and give it to God. 5. Praise and focus on Christ. It always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but if we are looking at the sky it doesn't matter.  Desert plants are survivors. Water -- optional. Shade -- unnecessary. And who needs soil anyway? As long as the roots dig deep, a searingly hot, parched parking lot will do just fine. In fact, better than fine, a desert plant can blossom from the blacktop. Because God makes it beautiful. In our lives too, God makes all things beautiful – in their time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Not that everything feels beautiful or looks beautiful in the moment. But in His time, our Lord is bringing forth eternal treasures that do not fade away (1 Peter 1:3-5). And until that time comes, we can thank God that we aren’t desert plants!  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
October 2024
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