My Living Garden

My children and husband are my living garden. Of course God is the Master Gardener, but I am the Master Gardener's staff (so to speak). My responsibilities involve feeding (carefully), watering (diligently), weeding out (attitudes and sin issues), pruning (discipleship and training), talking and listening to, giving attention to, and enjoying (taking pleasure in). Each of my plants has unique needs. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses and natural bents. Some aren't zoned well for my region and that is where the Master Gardener works on me as well to better prepare me for the task at hand. It is a lovely, albeit time-consuming and often monotonous, job. I pray daily that my Master Gardener would give me the strength and perseverance to be worthy of the responsibility.

Josiah is my oldest and tallest plant. His roots grow deep although he is easily swayed by the heavy winds which blow through from time to time. He is a cherished friend, steady and sure. He grows rather cautiously but at a predictable rate. I'm learning right now what it means to allow his branches to grow in their own direction a bit. There will be times when we'll need to stake him to keep him growing straight and tall. But for now, he is experimenting (as am I!) at finding his way toward the Son, without our constant stakes, ropes, and guidance.

Isaac is my tenderest plant. His stems and flowers are fragile, but his roots have grown strong from the constant wind and the difficulties he has experienced in his garden of life. His branches have always gone in directions that I am not necessarily accustomed. From his earliest days as a tender shoot, he has struggled to grow in ways and directions which go against my own natural bents. In the end however, the Master Gardener has known best and Isaac's unique growth and flowers and stems have become a beautiful plant for all to enjoy. He is my precious teddy bear, always available and always willing to snuggle and provide comfort through the gift of affection.

Isabelle is my flower in full bloom. She is beautiful and joyous and innocent in her simple pleasures and daily joys. She adores being a flower in her garden of life and is a perennial that keeps on blooming in spite of heat or wind or winter's cold. She reminds me of my overgrown lavender growing outside my bedroom window. It blooms throughout the season, and even in the winter months while it is dry, still provides mildly fragrant, stately purple flowers dried by the wind and cold. It seems to smile at the springtime to come. The Master Gardener smiles upon me each day He gives me her company.