"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galations 6:9)
There's nothing quite like a beautiful garden. One that is full of a variety of flowers in several colors. I've read the books, bought the tools, and was convinced because of the words by professionals that very quickly these tiny seeds would fill my garden with creative beauty.
I now stand daily in the midst of my garden wondering. I've been following the instructions to the best of my ability yet I've come to realize that at the end of the directions should have been a quote from my shampoo bottle, "Repeat when necessary."
These tiny seeds that have been planted in my garden are the precious children we've been blessed with. The soil of our family is moist and soft…it's spring. And with only a season of time to prepare, plant and tend to, we work from sunrise to sunset.
There are those that promise if we follow their techniques and methods, that within a short time, our garden will bloom. Yet as I sit in my garden with my hands covered in dirt and sweat on my face with a pile of weeds in my pail…I've come to understand that God never intended for us to be done. He doesn't expect us to have accomplished parenting and training these children in a short amount of time.
If we are faithful to continue in obedience to God's word in rearing our children, we are not only promised a garden, but a perennial garden…one that will continue into the next generation.
In the evening as my husband and I were walking through our garden, (which is currently soil, with little sprouts appearing) we noticed a flower bud had opened from the seed that was first planted…our first-born son. After years of watering, weeding, and tending to we see the first sign of a young boy changing into a godly man.
God has blessed us with the privilege of tending His garden. And as if that weren't enough, He promises that if we follow His instructions we will be surrounded with blossoms...beautiful flowers that our children will have around them when the garden is given to them.
- Linda Hoffman