Lessons from the Heart
God and gardening
By Pastor Sandy Hutchens

Sandy Hutchens is pastor at Faith Lutheran Church near Deer Creek.

I just got home from the Carroll County Flower and Garden Fair held at Flora. This is an event I look forward to every year. I enjoy meeting and greeting friends and acquaintances I see as we peruse all the various items that are for sale. There is such a variety of wonderful plants, many of them quite unique. My yard gets fuller every year with plants from this show.

My friend and I spent several hours trailing down the aisles, picking out this and that. I always end up spending more than I had budgeted, but to me this show is the start of my gardening journey for the year. I live to garden, as some would say. Unfortunately, other things, like a job, housework, etc. take up much of my time and energy.

With all this new life springing up around me, I am reminded of how God tends and cares for each element of his creation, including you and me. How many times have we told God, I live to praise and worship you? Unfortunately, other things, like a job, housework, gardening, etc. take up too much of our time, and leave little over for the One who created us in the first place.

That is why, as I garden, and even as I shop for new plants, I pause quietly and thank God for the gift of this new plant. I also thank God for this very special time of year when I am allowed the opportunity to share with Him in his creation, as I garden and tend this small part of his creation. I even take the time to thank and praise Him for the opportunity to mow (I love mowing), as it gives me precious relaxation time to just enjoy the sights and smells that are all around me.

As you get into your own gardening journey, or even just the mundane task of mowing the grass, take some precious time to thank God for his many and varied gifts. Take time to thank God that you are a part of this wonderful creation, and for the role you play in his ongoing creation. Finally, take the time to praise Him, no matter your circumstances, for the miracles of His creation that are all around you.