A place to grow

Now, where to plant those seeds. I need a dedicated garden space.

Because, the garden is the place in my yard where I encourage plants to grow. Elsewhere in my yard, I mow down the grass, cut back the hedges, and spray weed killer. In my garden, I encourage and protect growth, because I know what is growing there and I want it. I want it for myself, and I want to share it with others.

As a percentage of my yard, my garden space is pretty small, maybe 1% of total acreage. But the
garden is very important, because it is there that the wanted growth takes place. It is there that the important work occurs, the production of that much wanted fruit. Because my garden is so
important, I have designated a specific spot for it. I have set aside a portion of my yard for it. Instead of trying to fit my sugar snaps, tomatoes and cucumbers in among the other things in my yard, I am dedicating certain space specifically for their growth.

You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last … for I have chosen you out of the world. John 15:16,18

Do you want the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you want a closer relationship with God?
Set aside a space, designate a time, dedicate a portion of your day to that growth. 1% is only about 15 minutes of a day, but what a difference it can make! Because it is there that the wanted growth takes place. It is there that the important work occurs.

Sometimes setting aside a space for your garden is easy. When Nick and I moved into our first
home, the yard had established garden beds that had grassed over. The presence of these empty beds motivated us to start a garden. 

In our current home, we faced a large yard, and we had to decide where our garden would go. We had two creeks to avoid, and flood plain issues to consider. We had boats on trailers that we needed to pull across the yard. There were the large trees, boundary lines, a utility pole, all immovable objects. We had swing set apparatus that needed its own space. But if I wanted that fruit, I needed to set aside a place to nurture the growth of it.

Over time, we settled the garden in its current spot, which still works well. I don’t use all the
garden space every year, and I rearrange the crops occasionally, but I know where in my yard I am cultivating my sugar snaps.

When committing to growing my relationship with God, as with committing to the garden, I faced twenty-four hours and had to decide when to set my devotional time. I had two
children, and scheduling issues to consider. I had a house and possessions which demanded upkeep. There were the needs of my children, my husband, his father, my family, all immovable objects. There were my hobbies and interests which needed their own space. But if I wanted that fruit, I needed to set aside a time to nurture the growth of it.

Over time, I have settled my devotional time in my day. It has changed as my life circumstances
have changed. I don’t use all the time every day, and I change up my activities within it, but I know when in my day I am cultivating my relationship with God.  

In the morning, while it was still very dark, He (Jesus) got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed. Mark 1:35

Last year, our ministers challenged the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville,
to read the entire Bible in 90 days, the Big Read. The suggested reading path would take 30 to 45 minutes a day, out of 24 hours; the equivalent of an episode of Ozark or Cupcake Wars. Could I spare the time?

As for me and my household, we will worship the Lord. Joshua 24:15b

What are the things that crowd your day, your yard? What immovable objects do you need to work around? Are you caring for your kids? Your parents? Your spouse? Yourself? Is your work schedule demanding? Do you want that fruit? Are you ready to stop being so busy and get to the truly important work God has planned for you? 

Because those sugar snaps will not grow while they are still in the packet on my table. And they won’t grow scattered across the ground and dropped here and there among everything else. To be what God designed them to be, to be their better selves, they need dedicated space; they need a garden. 

I encourage you to set aside 15 minutes today. Open your Bible as you would open a seed packet. Open yourself to what God can grow in your life.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22 

Thank you for reading this and joining me on this journey, Next week, we till!

Betsy

Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, that will not rot. Matthew 6:20