How Does My Garden Grow?

By Lynn Ludwick

With a gardener’s eye and horrified fascination, I witnessed a neighbor mow his lawn—“lawn” being an iffy description. His yard boasted some grass, but consisted mostly of green leaves dotted with white puffs of dandelions full blown. With no catcher bag on his mower, he scattered the seed and planted a new crop of weeds. It took admirable restraint not to shriek, then shut off his mower. Instead, I smiled. Over the roar of the engine we bantered a neighborly “Hi-how-ya-doin’-fine” before I walked on.

Spring was in her glory and I spotted the yards whose owners had likely spent dreary winter evenings drooling over plant catalogues, now eager to dig in the dirt. Eager to make their gardens grow.

A question blossomed in my mind. How did my spiritual garden grow? What had I already planted, and what need digging into the soil of my heart? My dream garden would feature Jesus—“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” (Song of Songs 2:1) I’d dot the yard with trees bearing Spirit fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) I’d plant perennials for their faithfulness, and annuals for their colorful splash of cheer. Good qualities for gardens and hearts. Gardens need tending, so as my flowers require the nourishment of rain and fertilizer, so my soul requiress the nourishment of the living Word.

Something else nagged. During dark winter, underground and unnoticed, uninvited plants germinate and take hold. A wise gardener rips them out by their roots, and tosses them. Likewise, a wise person uproots and tosses misdeeds and wrong attitudes, no matter how minor. In both cases the persistent problems require consistency and diligence. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:28) Ah, bitterness—a prolific weed with deep, spreading taproots. Paul suggests the perfect weed killer. “Be imitators of God…” (Ephesians 5:1)

Back from my walk, I grabbed garden gloves and a weed digger. Three pails of weeds and an achy back later, it seemed a good start. I headed inside for coffee, my Bible, and some one-on-one moments with the Lord. I needed to dig out any pesky, destructive seeds taking root in my heart and soul.

In the upcoming weeks, well, for the rest of my life, I’ll continue to weed my yard and my heart. That is, after I take my morning walk—perhaps by a different route.

“Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither…” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Lynn Ludwick writes from Medford, OR. lynniegirl45@hotmail.com