Fighting Words Friday: The Gardener

I am the vine, and you are the branches, if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.

- John 15:5

I’m a novice gardener really, but I LOVE it. It’s grounding in such a beautiful way to me to put my hands in the earth and plant tiny little seeds, hoping that something will come of it…flowers to pick and arrange in vases to bring color and beauty, herbs to season dinner, and even cherry red tomatoes or crunchy green peppers to enjoy right off the vine, bursts of flavor and color and reminders that it’s God who grows good things. I can plant the seeds. I can water and pull out weeds, but ultimately, it’s God who causes a seed to break open and send forth a plant that turns into nourishment of beauty or flavor. Oh God, patient Gardener, help me to send my roots deep into your love and may You cultivate deep and good fruit in my heart and my life that I could share it with all whom I encounter.