God's Garden

I'm sitting at the dining room table looking out my sliding glass door and can barely believe it. Two weeks ago my patio area was a barren, overgrown, mostly wilted weedy space. Today the beauty of God's creation takes my breath away.  It's amazing what God can do with good potting soil, sweat, assorted clay pots and perseverance. There is a bit more to do in the overgrown beds (we have a few "bird planted" trees popping up within the azalea) as well as refreshing the patio itself.  The Lord has given His best as I have shoveled new soil into clay pots and flower beds. His beauty makes my heart skip a beat as does the desire to keep this garden His special place.


As I experience many changes lately I'm always amazed at how God will provide what I need to keep me fixed on Him.  When I least expect it.  Of course His garden required my participation. And as I acquiesced to "do my part" not only has He outdone Himself in the "Beauty" department He also planted joy and peace in my heart while I perspired and turned red cheeked from the heat.  I know, you dear reader (like many of my friends) have probably been energized and renewed for many years by getting your hands in the dirt and working in your yards or gardens.  It was the last thing I wanted to do. The reluctant gardener is not a title that fits me anymore!


Growing up, my favorite hymn was "In the Garden".  I love the words and as I have sung them over the years they transport me in my mind to a garden with Him!  This morning as I took my bible, my notebook, Oswald Chamber's "Utmost for His Highest" and my treasured hymnal out to His garden I experienced what the hymnologist penned.  The dew our composer writes of is not on roses however, rather Daises, Purslane, Pentas, Periwinkles, Zinnias, and other beauties I can't name at the moment, along with Basil and Oregano. Not only were my eyes given a treat but as I worshipped my King the Holy Spirit surrounded me with a beautiful breeze.

May the words of this beloved hymn send you forth into your day today with His love fresh in your hearts and yours for Him expressed in song!

"He speaks and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.  And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there none other as ever known."
 (In the Garden" Words & Music - C. Austin Miles - 2nd stanza)

Joyfully His,
       Judy