Tilling the Soil

I spent a lot of time working in my yard this weekend. I have never had a more authentically Irish experience than tilling the ground with a straight edge hoe. This weird thing happened to me when we bought our house two years ago. I not only became a tad obsessed with yard work; I began to look forward to it. Granted, I do have a rider for the back, which makes life a lot more endurable, but nonetheless I still love getting out and working on the lawn. I took it all one-step further yesterday. I went out with the intention of pulling weeds in the flowerbed and ended up completely cleaning out and tilling one of our front beds. I say this was an authentic Irish experience because of the condition of the ground underneath. The soil had been covered up by fallen leaves and overrun by weeds for so long that there was no richness to the dirt. I continued working and thought to myself, “how is anything going to ever grow here again?” We will certainly try though. At any rate, the bed looks nicer with the weeds pulled and the debris cleared.
Today I began to analyze my flowerbed in a spiritual direction. You have to wonder if after seeing the mess we made of the garden, God asked himself the same question I pondered. Think about it, Adam had it all. Sure he still worked the land but if perfection was creation than whatever Adam planted is what grew. No weeds, no dead crops, no drought. Perfection in relationship and creation were the rule. Yet he still failed. Poor old Adam and Eve get all the blame but we are the ones who continue to allow the debris of life and weeds of sin to creep back into the garden. We know how to plant, how to keep out unwanted growth and bugs, how to properly water and fertilize the ground for optimum growth yet we still neglect, still starve, still allow the harmful things of this world in. Just think of the pride you see each Spring when just one of the fifty tulips you planted blooms. How beautiful it is and how much it adds to the beauty of Spring. Now put that into God’s perspective. His joy must be that and much more to see just one of us grow. Just as a farmer, He keeps on sowing, watering, feeding, and nurturing us knowing we may never burst through the ground of faith. He hopes beyond time; loves beyond death and gives when there is nothing left. As you look at the beauty that surrounds you in the coming weeks, remember what God is waiting and working for. Remember that He is the proud father waiting to brag on your beauty and strength. Remember His loving hands that fed and watered you. Remember Him.