We are growing tomato plants and hot peppers from seed in our front window ledge. The kids all helped me plant them, and I've actually been doing a good job keeping them watered. When we planted them, we all prayed for them together. The majority of them have come up and are healthy, but there are a few that have not sprouted, and it's been 3 weeks. As I water these plants, I pray for them. I pray that the Lord would help them grow into strong plants that will produce good food to nourish our family. I was watering them today, and skipped over 2 that had not sprouted, figuring I would give up on them. And then, it seemed that the Lord spoke to me. He told me that my job is only to put the seeds in the soil and give them the food and water they need. That's all I can do. It's God's job to cause them to sprout and grow into plants that bear fruit, when He knows the time is right for them. All I do is tend the garden. When they are put into the ground, I will continue to water them when they need it, I will shelter them if a storm or frost threatens their survival, I will pray for them, I will do my best to protect them from creatures that want to devour them, and I will pull weeds to keep the plants from being choked out of the garden.
Then the Lord reminded me, this is exactly what our job is with our children. What a wonderful message that was to me today! It's a message we can carry to all the parts of our lives. I can teach my children about God, model Christian living for them, help them memorize scripture, etc. But all I'm doing is tending the garden. God will take care of these little seeds, and allow them to sprout when He knows it's the best time for them.
Thank you, Lord, for growing my garden. Help me to tend it with patience and care. Keep it safe under your protective care.
Amen.
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