This year as planting season was upon us, I was excited.
I’m not one who normally likes to play in dirt, but for the last few years, I’ve planted a few things, including tomatoes. For me, they serve as powerful lessons of what God can do when I give Him my little and do my part, and allow Him to do the rest.
When our school had their plant sale, I purchased tomatoes, peppers and zucchini, and got to work planting. I even picked up a few more tomato plants from my local supermarket. I was all in.
Fast forward through the summer. A much hotter and drier than normal summer, a few trips away from home for extended periods of time, and me hardly even using the hose when I was home.
Can you see where I’m going with this?
I went to a home yesterday, and they gave me a full bag of tomatoes. My neighbor knocks on my door and hands me beautiful, sweet figs from her multiple trees. My other friend had given me yellow tomatoes sweeter than I’ve ever eaten, a few weeks ago.
But alas… mine?
My back garden is weeded over with grass. I was taking one jug out and watering – doing the bare minimum. I’d gotten some tomatoes but then I started neglecting my garden patch. The weed has now fully overtaken the patch I had created. Many of my plants have died because of the sun, weed and lack of water. My front grass is abysmal and dry.
Why the difference?
I won’t even pretend I don’t know.
For my neighbors who were diligent and watered their grass, they still have green grass and lots of sun ripened fruits and vegetables.
For me, I neglected my plants, hoping that somehow they’d still get what they needed.
Remember why I plant in the first place? The lessons I get from doing my part and watching God do His?
I failed to diligently show up and do my part. I started strong, but then I quickly let life and my ‘busyness’ take over, and I didn’t do my part of watering.
I pray I remember this lesson each time I’m tempted to give up part way on something I’m asking God to do.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for these lessons, even when they aren’t fun ones. Thank you for the reminder that there are rewards when we do our part and consequences when we choose not to. Thank you for the lesson and that when I next try, I will do my best to do better.
Ps. Thank you for all the kind birthday wishes as I celebrated this past Thursday.