Some folks spend years developing technique, handling of tools, and coordination so they might chisel a sculpture into being. Other folks spend months agonizing over tiny seeds, preparing soil, and pruning a garden into being.
The former achieves a beautiful piece of mineral that will last for a long time. The sculptor accomplished a goal and now puts away the tools and forgets the mental template.
The latter remains vigilant to protect the seeds as they germinate, discerns the new leaves, protects from elements and insects. The gardener accomplishes many goals, yet the handiwork remains a perpetual necessity. The gardener adds more tools, remembers each plant, and considers the health and needs of caring for the garden.
Do we approach our spiritual life as if it were a sculpture or a garden? The tendency may be to look to our faith as a static mineral, once carved than left to look at every now and then. But our God has calls us to see the fruits of faith come through proper nourishment, vigilance, and joy—“continue in these things” (1 Tim. 4:16). The gardener gasps with delight when the hard-won blossom turns into a fruit. Not surprised by the hours of work and obedience to the task but overjoyed that resilience indeed turned to satisfaction. The Lord calls us to tend to our faith-walk because there is fruit, there is satisfaction.
As I watch Emily lead the girls in tending the garden, I remember the importance of leading others to tend to their faith. Harvest happens every day for eyes that desire to observe God’s goodness. But the Lord calls us to this enjoyable, expectant labor. So how are you tending to the work today?
Pastor Chris
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