Growing in the Garden

One Sunday I received an unexpected gift from a woman at my church.   She knew I was struggling with some issues and she had prayed for me throughout the week.  She said she had read this book, and wanted me to have a copy.  The book was by Twila Paris, entitled "Perennial:  meditations for the seasons of life".  Twila also has an album with the same title.  I recommend both to you. 

As I began to read the short meditations, I began to see how the growth of human beings is similar to the way perennial plants grow. We both start out as little seeds and continue to grow until we reach maturity.  There are times when we are strong and healthy, times when we are wilting, and almost near death.  But even when we appear to have died to the outside world, there is another new sprout just waiting to emerge. 

Both people & plants need certain things to stay healthy.  We both need regular portions of food, water & sunlight.  We also thrive in certain temperatures and soil conditions.  But just like plants, humans vary in their needs too.  Some thrive better with lots of company, some like to be alone.  Some can be left a long time without beginning to look neglected, some wither within a day of mistreatment.

The key to healthy living, is to find out what you need to grow to be the best you can be, and set out to have those needs met.  Unlike plants, we actually can have input in ensuring our needs are met.  We don't have total control over our soil conditions (environment), our temperature (the effect of others on us) or the various storms that come our way.  But we do have control over the food, water & sunlight we take in daily.  My food & water comes not only from physical food & drink, but more importantly, the daily bread that Scripture has to offer.  Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life.  He can and will meet all your needs. 

Browse through some of my pages to see specifically how God can meet your needs.  God met me at the point in my life where I needed someone to love me unconditionally.  God showed me how to accept His love and He showed me the way to eternal life.  He taught me how to weather the storms of life.  He is still teaching me how to thrive in the midst of the storm, but He has a lifetime to work on me.   I'm not finished yet, and my flowers will bloom & die & bloom again, throughout the remainder of my time in this world. 

When the Lord God meets your needs, He is providing the food, water & sunlight you need to survive & thrive in this world. 

You are listening to a great hymn entitled 
"In the Garden"

This page was last updated on 05/22/04.
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