by Joan Kelley
A few weeks ago I was helping on a work day at a friend’s retreat center. Along with 4 others, I was put on the gardening team. The leader of the team was an incredible woman who had a certification as a “master gardener.” I watched as she led the team with skill, grace, and gentleness. There was no judgment when I trimmed the coneflowers too low. She just suggested at the next garden to cut a little higher. She knew her species of plants and even weeds by name. She knew where they would flourish and where they might be better suited to move to. She walked alongside us, visually watching, guiding and working side by side. We took our time, we stopped for breaks to enjoy the view and we delighted in digging and cleaning these gardens for fall.
As I thought about it later, this woman was a bit like our own Heavenly Father, the master gardener who desires to work with us, walk with us and show us the way. There is no judgment or shame, just gentle guidance back to the right path. He knows us by name and He knows where we flourish. I’m grateful when God gives me some glimpses of Himself with skin on as I learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Scripture
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Matthew 11:29
Questions for Reflection
Prayer
Father, thank you for being our Master Gardner – who prunes, weeds, trims our spiritual growth. Help me to let You show me the way. Let me surrender my control so I might more fully flourish under your care. Amen
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