By Kelly Wahlquist

 

succulent

 

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything,
but only God who gives the growth.” ~ 1 Cor 3:6-7

I do not have a green thumb. But, if that saying truly comes from the fact that repeatedly handling clay pots encrusted with algae will stain a gardener’s thumb (and probably fingers) green, then I’m ok with that! Lest you think I am exaggerating, a woman of WINE (whose birthday it is today) has removed a succulent from my care and currently only allows me to have visiting rights. In my defense, I thought the little guy was thirsty. But, it turns out that too much of a good thing can be dangerous… and perhaps gardening isn’t my gift.

Many Hands, Many Gifts

How blessed are we in the kingdom of God to know that we don’t need to be good at everything! God has invited many hands (and thumbs, some green, some not so green) to work in His garden and, in His infinite wisdom, has given us the perfect gifts to complement one another.

We all have different ways of proclaiming the Kingdom of God—some plant the seed of faith, some water through their teaching, some fertilize by sharing their conversion story, and some warm others by radiating joy.

Knowing that some of us may be prone to forgetting details, or some tend to overwater, or some overdo it with the fertilizer, God did the best thing ever—He made us His co-workers! Meaning He works alongside us, inch by inch, row by row, to ensure His garden will grow.

Faithfulness

In St. Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth, he says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth.” This is fantastic news for those who don’t excel at gardening, like birthday girl Alyssa Bormes. Actually, this is great news for all! We aren’t called to do the gifts of others. We are called to be faithful and to work alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ with the gifts He has given us. When we do, God causes the growth!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to be jealous of others, to rejoice in the gifts you have given me, and to trust that you will bless the works of your faithful co-workers.

Call to Action

Today, when you see others working in their gifts to build up the kingdom of God, compliment them on their actions.

 

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