I Come to the Garden

With dirt under my finger nails and sweat dripping off my forhead I sit down. A moment's rest, earned and appreciated.

Tiny plants in the ground in front of me. It is planting time. 

Oh how I love this time of year. When the flowers are blooming, leaves are returning to the trees and it is time to begin the garden. Even for all the new growth, beauty and goodness springing up around me I realize that this time of year is my favorite...but this year the reason why is so clear. And so different from any other year.

The past few months have been emotionally draining and just plain tough.

And then came the garden. Hmmm...how do I share with you what happens there?

Do you know the old hymn "In the Garden"?

Read the words...

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

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 has ever known.

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.

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

That's it! That's what happens to me. I am calmed by the presence of God in our garden. As I dig in the dirt, water the plants or dig new beds I find that it is in Him I am dwelling. Something that has been difficult for me lately. As the emotional toll of the last few months has been difficultly leaning into God.

So this spring, as I find every possible reason to be outside. Every possible reason to sit with my God in our garden. I am growing food for my family and rekindling a romance my Jesus. 

Where does God beckon you? Are there places where you feel closer to Jesus? Places you go to recharge?

Father, thank you for your gift of love. For the ever blooming flower of grace. I'll wait for you in the garden...