Good morning. For our thought on this Saturday, I would like you to consider planting a garden. I know, it is the exact opposite time of year for such things, but perhaps there is a garden we might consider.
In the spring we plant our gardens. They might be flower gardens, and we will enjoy the colorful beauty as the blooms appear. They could be vegetable gardens, and we will enjoy the fresh produce of tomatoes, peas, beans, squash, etc.
For all of our gardens we need to select a proper piece of ground. The soil is fertile in this part of the country, but our garden will need to be where it receives plenty of light. Once the spot is laid out, we need to till the soil and make it ready to receive the seeds. When the soil is ready and at the proper time, we plant our seeds. Once planted, our gardens must be watered, and weeded to take away those pesky intruders that ruin everything. We will enjoy watching our plants grow, and we will enjoy what they produce. Gardens take effort, but they are worth it.
But this isn’t springtime, and planting gardens will not be on our agenda for several months. Unless the garden we could consider today is not one of flowers or vegetables but what we might call a “peace garden”.
Finding the plot isn’t difficult, it is located right between your ears.That spot between our ears isn’t very big but it can contain a great deal of “stuff”. For our metaphor of a garden between the ears, it all comes down to what we choose to plant, what we allow to grow in that very personal place.How much space does a peace garden require? Not as much as many of the other things which presently occupy that location. So, the first step will be to decide what needs to be removed if peace is going to have its place. …having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 It is time for some careful planting! Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 Let’s not forget to remove those pesky weeds: I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. Psalm 101:3 We watch our garden grow, but we always remember that it is the Lord who provides the increase: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4
Finally,our garden is healthy and productive: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Enjoy the produce from your peace garden!
Vern