The 4th of July is now behind us and for me I’ve always thought of it as marking the halfway point through summer in regard to time between school years, vacations yet to be taken, and waiting for gardens to begin producing their bounty for fresh eating or preservation. Admittedly, I’m an adequate to moderate gardener. Each year I look forward to working up the soil in our raised beds and an area behind our garage that is suitable for tomato plants and squash. I get excited when my little seeds begin to pop through the dirt and starter plants begin to flourish. On those mornings that aren’t too hot, I water and weed where needed.  And I continue to wait for the plants to grow.

This year we have our usual tomato plants along with two squash from seeds I saved from last fall. They’re doing quite nicely. We also enjoy green bell peppers and green beans so those were planted as well. This year I found kohlrabi at a local nursery which I put in between the beans and peppers. Beets are slowly germinating, radishes have done very well with each planting. Voluntary dill plants have crowded out the lettuces in our hot bed but I’m not complaining. When something reseeds I am most pleased! I even found a potato plant that sprouted behind the garage and is now quite the clump of foliage so I’m anticipating a nice little bucket of potatoes come late summer early fall.

I love the bounty of gardens. I don’t like weeds–who does–and I get downright frustrated with critters who get in and enjoy themselves from the fruit of MY labor. This is especially true for flowers and shrubs we have as perennials in our yard. The deer ate every bud on lily plants. They chomped on hostas as well as the day lilies next to our front porch. Also showing signs of total destruction is a moonflower shrub under bedroom windows. Each stem looks like a pair of hedge clippers went through to “top off” each one at the same height. A few weeks ago “someone” pulled out a geranium from its pot along with several smaller plants next to it. Two bird feeders have been stolen, not having been found!

As much as I want to, I cannot control the creatures that come visit our yard to see what’s currently on the menu. So, when I see any destruction, I take my moment to breathe a heavy sigh and see what I can do to continue trying to grow a few fresh vegetables. I take solace in the fact that my few plants didn’t break the budget to purchase and there’s always my favorite plan B–shop at local farmers’ markets for the produce I love and enjoy. (I can’t imagine the level of despair and concern small farmers endure at the mercy of critters who invade!)

My seemingly feeble attempts to garden remind me of being under God’s care. Years ago He planted a seed of faith in me that needed to be tended, watered, fed, and nurtured. As my master gardener, He has and continues to provide all that I need in order to maintain healthy growth and ward off all “weeds” of sin or attacks from satan. He has given me His Word, which is the Bible. He gifted me with the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, correct, and bring life to my flesh when it is tired, worn out, heavy laden with concerns. Unlike me who is unable to see “who” is coming to munch on my garden plants, He is all knowing and sees everything, fully aware of any weapon being formed against me and He is faithful to place a shield of protection around me.

Does the Bible have anything to say about gardening? It does: Read what Isaiah has to say in verse 11 of chapter 58: The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

This week I reached a dry patch for about 48 hours. My soul needed refreshment and encouragement. To keep from drying up or giving up I did a few things. First, I stayed connected to God by reading scripture and listening to solid teaching. I reached out to a trusted friend and asked her to pray for me, admitting how I was feeling and the whys behind the dampened emotions. Consequently, like plants looking more vibrant after a good watering, my emotions leveled out again, replaced by renewed joy.

Any good gardener knows that our plants and flowers need diligent attention. So it is with our spiritual growth, our emotional well being. Left alone, we will dry up. We may even be swallowed up by the weeds of life that will crouch and overtake if not properly removed. I leave you with this final thought from Psalm 104:14-21: 

“You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart”. 

I love that the Bible has verses about gardening to encourage me and you. It’s time to water my small garden!