Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. (Hosea 10:12)
Gardening, weeding, multching, pruning...hard but therapeutic work. So far we've used most of our time and resources on the inside of our new home, but there were a few things I knew I wanted to try to accomplish this spring.
The first was a vegetable garden. Last year I planted vegetables on our fire escape in pots. Despite their small size, most of my little plants thrived and I loved my small outdoor space. Last year I grew jalepeno peppers, green peppers, a small bush variety of tomato, basil, strawberries and flowers. Our fire escape was more than just an egress in case of emergencies for me while we lived in Newton. It was my sanctuary, prayer room and sunshiny place. Due to the nature of our top floor apartment with predominately only sky lights, it was the only place I could see around me and feel free. I don't think I realized how claustrophobic I felt there until we moved to Walpole this past spring and I realized how much I love my windows! But my small garden was an escape, and many a word God spoke while I tended those small plants.
This year I couldn't wait to get my hands in the actual dirt of our backyard. Having a backyard is incredible, and despite the unkept bushes/brush and patchy grass I know eventually it will be a beautiful place to entertain friend and family and to relax. So far we have only tackled putting down new multch and growing vegetables.
This year I am growing three varieties of tomatoes (2 heirloom types and a plum), green peppers, beans, cucumbers and various herbs. And they're doing well! Take a look:
Gardening frequently reminds me of the countless passages where God speaks to His people about sowing and reaping a harvest. I've always associated this with ministry, and have felt strongly at various times about how God was going to grow YoungLife. Dear Lord grow this desire to work the ground and the hearts here again.
We've also begun to tackle the huge task of putting new multch down around the entire property. This has involved incredible amounts of weeding, clearing and pruning...but despite a sore body and one bad case of poison ivy, I definitely think the end result is coming out nicely. Hopefully our neighbors don't think we're the ugly house on the corner any more!
Here are some photos from the front where multch has already been put down:
Our home, we are so blessed. Jesus may I sow my life in righteousness so that I may reap a harvest of your deep, holy and unfailing love. God help me to plow up the rocky ground of my heart. Change me, grow me, Amen.
