Today I’m sharing an excerpt from the chapter A Time to Plant in my book Newness of Life, based on this scripture:
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT
Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast version:
A Time to Plant
In February I get the itch to shop for seeds, and I choose the slowest-growing varieties, like pansies and strawberries, to start inside under fluorescent lights. When I started fast-growing peas inside in February, they were eight inches tall when the ground was still frozen. If I start watermelon or cucumber seeds inside, I must wait until April, because they will languish outside until the late spring sunshine warms the soil. I have to plant the right varieties at the right time, because there is a time to plant.
The first green sprouts give me hope on cold, dreary winter days. Their newness of life tells me spring is coming, good wins out, and heaven is waiting. They chase away my winter blues with the promise of new life.
A garden's newness of life tells me heaven is waiting! #newnessoflife #encouragement #gardening Click To TweetWe Need Brushing
These tiny seedlings are so fragile. I check them several times daily to make sure they aren’t too dry or too wet. Once they set four leaves, I can remove the plastic cover which serves as a greenhouse. Proper moisture is crucial but almost impossible to maintain. I always lose a few seedlings to rot or drought. That’s why I plant more than I need, knowing some seeds will never reach fruition. Reaching out to others is like that. Not everyone will accept friendship or kindness, but I need to give it freely anyway, since I want to be as kind and generous as Jesus.
When the seedlings are about an inch tall, I must brush my hand over them several times a day. The gentle brushing strengthens their stems and prepares them for windy days. If I don’t brush them, they will suffer upon transplanting. Like the little plants, I need “brushing” in my life too. If I don’t face little trials daily, I won’t be strong enough to face larger storms.
Did you enjoy this excerpt? If so, I hope you’ll check out my book Newness of Life today! Also, you can watch a video of this devotion HERE.
Questions for reflection:
What do you need to plant more in your life to freely give to others?
What kind of “brushing” are you enduring now?
A Time to Plant
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