Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12: 24 NASB

 

Seasons change.

I’m down to one shadow who follows me through the garden to inspect our onions, basil, and mint. Without fail, the little tyke bites into a grape tomato and spits it out, then chews on chives as if it’s a caramel cow tail. Though the garden is small, its crop gifts lessons.

 Unless a seed die, it will not bear fruit. 

My grandson and I painted rocks for the farmer; and so, he marked the rows where he buried the seeds.

Weekly, we meandered through the raised beds with coffee in hand. We waited. Examined. Anticipated. Looked up recipes, methods, and such. We gathered supplies, measured first green sprouts and growth, and delighted in unexpected blooms. However, there were disappointments. The spinach was planted late and only produced one cut; and the deer stomped on our beans.

Nevertheless, we gathered our harvest and feasted on summer salads—lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. They were pre-washed and washed, dirt and bugs removed. Some made ready to can and freeze.

Unless a seed die . . . it cannot take on a new form.

My husband has taken on the responsibilities of the garden in his retirement. He also planted okra, beets, and jalapeño peppers and is learning how to pickle and can; even so, he won’t eat them. However, he married a southern gal who delights in all things spicy. The hotter the better! 

The garden is work. Hands get dirty. Pests attempt to destroy. Crops fail. Hearts grow tired and lonely. I miss our older grandsons. I miss my dad. His garden was four times the size of ours, and his beets, beans, okra, and corn were his work of art, and oddly enough, his rest and peace.   

The garden unearths struggle; and so, I pray for light. Rain. Patience. Time to finish the task! 

Ministry is marked by the same. We die to self. Our wants and needs are secondary. Jesus offered Himself up to save many.

If you want to serve Jesus, follow His way. He is gentle, gracious, merciful, and trustworthy. He is clothed with humility and loves without limits and conditions. Therefore, walk in His footsteps. 

 Like Him, you’ll be prepared to serve at a moment’s notice and bear much fruit.      

Seasons change . . . and I’m looking up!

Lily Mae

If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12: 26 NASB