Gardens


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 26, 2009

A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:7-9

We are fortunate to have the Elizabethan Gardens to visit and enjoy These gardens provide a beautiful setting with azaleas, bulbs, crape myrtle, roses and more. The sunken gardens have been the spot for many weddings and it is no surprise why! It’s also a great place to sit on the steps and reflect for a moment or two, while enjoying all the beauty that nature and caring groundskeepers and volunteers have provided. A simple backyard garden can also give us the serenity we seek. Birdsong is a welcome addition to any garden and statuary and birdbaths provide a great perch for feathered friends passing by. Whether you are growing a vegetable, herb or flower garden, the feeling of accomplishment at harvest time is a great reward. Garden books are plentiful in telling us how, what and when to plant. But, I think the most special gardens are those where the birds have helped to sow some seed, along with last year’s annual flowers that spring up for an unexpected showing. The surprises in the garden are what make the time spent tending to it so much fun.

What goes around, comes around. There’s a phrase that is used often. Largely, I think it is true. You get out of it what you put in to it. We’ve heard that expression too. It’s a well-known fact that what we do today will affect our tomorrows, whether it is financial planning, raising children, relationships or climbing the career ladder. If we thought of our life as a garden, we’d want to have nutrient rich soil, a solid foundation. That is God. Rooting all hopes and dreams in Him will make the reward richer. Planting those hopes and dreams in a row, one after the other in succession with a plan and goal is next. Then after pulling the weeds, watering regularly, adding doses of daily sunlight, then the harvest comes. And if we did everything we were supposed to do and kept on course, we should not be surprised at the wonderful harvest in store for us. We should expect it. Of course there are obstacles….storms, wind and critters that may pass through. But God is faithful and he has promised a harvest if we sow seed. It’s only when we don’t sow seed or when we rely on others to do it for us that we don’t get the harvest we had hoped for.