THE FORGIVING GARDNER

One of my favorite happy places is sitting on my patio looking out at nature, my little garden, and my birds as they come to eat from our feeders.

As I looked out this morning, I noticed that some of my plants in the garden looked very dry and very brown. I must say this made me sad and a little disappointed. But as I was looking, I heard the Lord speak into my spirit; ``You did take care of them properly with water and covering from the elements of winter``.

How very much LIKE US this is! In the most harsh environment when the elements are not good for growth we too neglect proper watering and covering. What is this watering and covering we are talking about? In plant life, even in the winter months they must have water. And if the winter is cold enough they must be covered. Our spiritual life is the same! We must have the water of the Word. In plants if there is not enough water there is no life. In our spiritual man if there is no Water of the Word there is no life. Plants also have to be covered sometimes with plastic or blankets or even a light to keep them alive. My spiritual man must be covered with the covering of the Holy Spirit. John 6:63 says, ``It is the Spirit who gives LIFE``.

But all is not lost. As I looked closer I could see little tiny shoots of green peaking through. When I do not do what I know to do, the heavenly Master Gardner is always looking out for me. When He sees the smallest of green in my life He sees beauty again. My plants are very forgiving of my neglect but my Father is even more forgiving!

I may have missed the mark on the proper care of my spiritual life but if there is a small green shoot there, and I know there is, the plant will bloom again. Isaiah 35:2 '' It will burst into blossom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy!’’ The Master Gardner has me covered.