Worth the Effort

What a decision I have to make today – shall I make a sandwich from the tomato or the cucumber? Maybe both! Few things can compare to the incredible flavor of a homegrown tomato, topped with a little fresh cut basil. But the crisp sweetness of a cucumber just off the vine comes close. I feel wealthy having such delicious options.

The scent of basil on my hands decides for me; tomato it is. I may try the basil on a cucumber if I am still hungry. Such wealth.

I remember how much work it took getting the garden tilled and fenced. I remember sweating in the heat, arms and back aching, as I planted each little seedling. I gaze at the metal poles supporting the bird netting and remember Nick’s labor to erect them.

Was it worth it? Yes!!!

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58.

I do not claim to “excel” in gardening, or much of anything else for that matter. But God has granted me the gift of persistence; a willingness to keep at it and see it through. Much of that comes from faith, a conviction that if I am doing what God is calling me to do and listening to His voice, my labor will not be in vain. 

And walking in God’s will can be labor. It can be physical labor, like the garden. It can be emotional labor, like forgiveness and reconciliation. You may be exhausted and sweating. Sometimes it is easier to just sleep in instead of going to church. Sometimes I would rather binge watch stupid TV than make those phone calls or write those letters.

Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense. Proverbs 12:11.

Then I look at these tomatoes and cucumbers. I know that this fruit was worth the effort.

The fruit of the Spirit is worth the effort as well. Knowing that God will grow gentleness and patience in my life is worth making time every morning to read His Word. His peace and joy are worth spending time every day in prayer, presenting my concerns and listening for His response.

If I spend my time in worthless pursuits, His fruit may not be able to grow in my life; I will not have given Him the space and time to grow it. And His fruit, wow! What would my life, your life, our city, our world look if it looked like my table, covered in fruit?

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

I want that fruit every bit as much as I want these tomatoes and cucumbers. Even if it takes effort on my part. Even if giving the Spirit space to grow this fruit disrupts my plans or unsettles my easy way of life. I may need to uproot some weeds and plant some good seeds. It may be hard. But the harvest is worth the effort.

When I feel kindness growing where once criticism flourished, I know being in His presence was worth the effort. When I can react in gentleness instead of anger, I am looking at His fruit in my life. When helping someone in need brings me more joy than a rising bank balance, I know God is growing something eternal in my heart.

Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth …, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19.

Now that is wealth. If these tomatoes and cucumbers can make me feel wealthy, what do treasures in heaven make me? Wealthy indeed! Such wonderful flavors, such pleasing scents, such delicious abundance. 

O taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8.

What wonders of God’s riches will I enjoy today?

Betsy