This morning, I sat down to read Proverbs 16. I have thoroughly been enjoying the proverbs as of late, filled with instruction, guidance and notes on how to become discerning. Gentle rebukes calling us to be more patient “better a patient man than a warrior...” (v 32).
As we continue to journey with this community garden, I am often struck by how slowly it feels as though it is all coming together. The work seems endless; orders, negotiations, arranging teams, assembling the never-ending boxes of raised garden beds (IYKYK). But I’m reminded this morning that “better is a patient man than a warrior”, “better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice” (v8), and that if you just “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
As I step back and think of the very art of growing plants, I am again reminded that it is a slow, yet remarkably beautiful process. A tiny seed, not more than a centimetre planted into the ground and slowly but surely life pokes through, determined to grow big and strong, determined to provide sustenance, so that we humans (and a few animals I am sure) are able to be sustained.
I am reminded that to garden is to be close to God, to be as we were designed, as Adam and Eve first were. To have our hands dirty, sun on our backs, sweat on our brow.
I am reminded this morning that we are, this garden is, exactly as it should be. Slowly growing and determined to bring life and sustenance to those in our church and local community. Rising out of the dirt with strength and determination.
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