During lockdown, when nothing but the grocery store and the great outdoors were open to us, I found my love for digging in the dirt. Scott and I both found a yearning to be outside, to feel free from the confines of our downtown apartment. It was such a delight to have a reason to be in nature, to be reminded that God is still in control, even when the world around me feels out of my control.

Planting flowers and watching them grow is one of my favorite ways God chooses to speak to me about Him, his heart for me, and the role I play as the co-creator of the experience of my life. Put simply, gardening helps me to better understand our role in this life, with God in the driving seat.

Gardening has taught me patience. Because patience is required as plants take time to grow and flourish. Similarly, in life, things don't always happen instantly. We need to be patient and trust God and his timing.

Just as plants need nourishment, water, and care to thrive, we too require attention and nurturing. It reminds us to invest time and effort into the things we value.

Gardens go through different seasons—spring brings new growth, summer is a time for blooming and extra watering, autumn is a period of transition, and winter is a time of rest. Similarly, life has its own seasons. Understanding and accepting the cycles of life helps us navigate through challenging times and appreciate the beauty in each phase.

Gardening teaches us resilience, as plants sometimes face adverse conditions like pests, diseases, or extreme weather. They show us the importance of bouncing back and adapting to challenging circumstances. In life, we may encounter setbacks and obstacles, but learning to be resilient and dependent on God helps us overcome adversity and keep moving forward.

Despite our best efforts, not everything in a garden is within our control. Weather, pests, and other external factors can impact the outcome. Gardening teaches us to surrender to the natural order of things, acknowledging that we cannot control everything. Similarly, in our lives, we need to learn to let go of things beyond our control and have faith in God. His ways are not our ways.

Witnessing the growth of a tiny seed into a thriving plant reminds us of the potential for growth and transformation in our own lives with Jesus. Just as plants evolve from small beginnings, we have the capacity to grow, learn, and change. Gardening encourages us to embrace personal growth and embrace the possibilities for positive transformation in Him.

Gardens can be breathtakingly beautiful, and tending to them cultivates a sense of appreciation for the wonder of Creation. It reminds us to find beauty in simple things and to be grateful for God's abundance in our lives. Cultivating gratitude helps us shift our perspective towards Jesus and find joy in the present moment.

Journal Prompts to Reflect:

1. As a gardener, you work alongside God in nature, playing a role in the creation and nurturing of life. This can remind you of your partnership with God in the ongoing creation and evolution of the world. How does knowing this deepen your understanding that you are a co-creator, working in harmony with the divine?

2. Just as plants follow their own natural cycles, gardening can reinforce your trust in God's timing. It teaches you to surrender control and have faith that things will unfold as they should. Just as plants follow their own natural cycles, gardening can reinforce your trust in God's timing. How is God actively working to instill trust that God's timing is perfect and that He is working everything for your good?

3. Spending time in nature while gardening can be a deeply spiritual experience. It allows you to connect with the sacredness of Creation and experience the presence of God in the beauty and abundance of the natural world. Have can you make gardening a form of worship and communion with the divine?

In Him

Jennifer, Founder & Champion of Rest