Friday, July 29, 2016

Dear God,

You teach us life lessons and invite us not only to learn from them but to follow the gifts that come.

They were forgotten, neglected, and set aside.  For two years the weeds began to threaten, growing up around them, vying for rain water, sunshine, and space.  Finally, they covered them up completely.  To those who weren't familiar, the place looked like a tall stand of noxious weeds ready to be cut down.  Inside the mass of mess, however, there were treasures, jewels of color.  The beautiful plants once looked lovely but the owner chose to ignore them, thinking about other things.

Just days ago she remembered those beauties and began to pluck up the nasty weeds.  She cut back the tree limbs that had hidden the gems from view.  She pulled out invasive vines and cut back overgrown plants around them.  By day's end the area was mostly cleared and there in the midst, the wisteria lay aground but still alive waiting for the tender care of the gardener.

Lord, you teach us to attend to our spiritual garden.  You remind us of the gifts you give us, bedecked jewels, tendrils of your love.  You invite us to care for them.  When we forget and turn away, weeds of the soul threaten.  Yet, hidden away, those gifts are still present just waiting to be uncovered.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for the lessons
of the garden.
Thank you
for life
that still exists
even though
we are
far away.
Thank you
for gentle reminders
and tools
to uncover
the beauty
from your hand.

Love always, Andrea