By Amy Schisler

“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” ~ 1 Corinthians 3:6-8

Giving Up Gardening

My parents have the most amazing gardens, and I’ve always longed to have beautiful flowers surrounding my own home. Alas, in thirty years of being a homeowner, I was never able to give the nurturing that gardens need. Eventually, I gave up, but somehow, my gardens kept surprising me. Each spring, bulbs appeared, dotting the gardens with yellow, pink, and purple hues. The hydrangeas were absolutely glorious, and the deep purple and lavender irises raised their heads in triumph toward the sun. June saw the rise of Hosta and spiderwort nestled amidst yellow shrubs backed by lilies from my grandmother’s garden from long ago. Then July came, and everything withered. Let’s not get started on August.

Giving Another Try

Last year, with all my girls grown and gone, I felt I finally had the time to begin gardening in earnest. My mother and aunt gave me bundles of Jerusalem Sunflowers (also known as Jerusalem Artichoke), Solomon’s Seal, and Lenten Roses. I planted bushes with stunning red roses and colorful daisies. When everything came up this spring, I was amazed by their beauty. We’re into July of year two, and I’ve added Lily of the Valley and have a list of things to add in the fall.

Growth From God

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.” I loved the idea of gardens but not the work. Over the past year, I planted, and we watered, but God caused the growth. I just needed to put in the time and care necessary to allow God to do so. Our spiritual lives need time and care, nurturing and watering, and faith that God will help them grow. We can’t grow and bloom without God’s help. We must turn to him like the sunflowers turn toward the sun. He will take care of the rest.

Prayer:

Dear Father, the God of Creation, thank you for giving me people who planted and watered the seeds of your love in my life. Help me to nurture and water them so that you may give growth the flowers of faith I so desire.

Call to Action:

What areas of your spiritual life need nurturing and watering? Where can you be more open to God to allow Him to grow your faith? Spend time in adoration this week, asking God to show you where you need to tend the soil so He can bring your faith to life.

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