Olive, Olive, Quite Decisive - How Does Your Garden Grow?

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man

sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall

reap if we do not lose heart."
Galatians 6:7-9

Every day is filled with choices and happenings to which we must respond. Just this afternoon, as I was finishing up washing my hands, I accidentally knocked my lovely Willow Tree "spring" angel into the sink and her head broke off. Horrors!! A happening not of my choosing (granted, I could've displayed her in a safer location to avoid dismemberment ... thank God for super glue!). Yet, how I responded was of my choosing.

As I was mourning my little angel, it really is minor in value and can be glued, I walked into the kitchen and spied a bag of mini marshmallows. [Stage set: A choice I could control.] Last night I purchased them as a special treat to have with hot cocoa one last time before the summer sizzle - for my dear little boy has been asking for "hot cocoa & mushmarlows." Ever since childhood when I would zap them in the microwave to watch them nearly explode, I have found the mushy little things irresistible. How about you? CHOICE: I could rip open the bag and dive in or do something better for my body . . . Hurray! God helped me make a terrific choice: I turned around, threw open the frig door and grabbed some broccoli instead. Whew! (Not to sound too nutritiously pious, I did make it more delectable with "Lite" Ranch dip . . . and not to say that "mushmarlows" aren't okay in moderation.)

These examples of response and choice are truly "lame" compared to more serious things in life. Less than a month ago my cousin found out that her husband was dying of cancer. Choices. It was too late for treatment. While I feel terrible about this sad loss, I rejoice to report that they chose to glorify God in the situation. My Mom said that whenever someone would come to visit, David would take their hand and ask them if they have trusted in Jesus as their Savior. He would say, "God loves you and I do, too!" The last week of his life they had a family wedding; his son moved up his wedding two months so his dad could be there.

When David graduated to Glory last Wednesday, he left this earth knowing he had made the most important choice of all: Jesus. In his casket, in his hands, was placed a Bible. And the Gospel was very clearly explained to all at his funeral. My dear cousin is determined to choose not to let Satan get any stronghold in this bereavement, but for God to be honored in it all. What have you chosen to do about Jesus in your life? My cousin would want to know.

While we hope we never have to go through trials such as these, we are assured that God will give His children grace to go through any and every trial. He will help us choose what will honor Him and be a blessing to those involved. In ironic contrast, what we usually struggle with most are the "minor" day-to-day choices of life. Are these important to God? Yes!

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

Do you think that the grouchy lady down the street just happened to become less than friendly last week? In some grumpy old people, besides typical aches and pains, the self-centered gruffness grew from many years of harboring bitterness. Seeds or weeds will reap a harvest. One of my college professors would often tell us, "Girls, you ARE who you are BECOMING." (In a few years we will look mostly like we do now - just a bit more wrinkled).

Your garden of life ~ your body, your soul, your spirit, your attitudes, your personality, your charges (those around you), your countenance ~ will be affected by the type of seeds you choose to plant and how you choose to care for your garden. So, what does your garden look like?

Weeds

• If we choose not to forgive ... we will reap broken relationships and God says He will not forgive us (Mark 11:25-26).

• If we choose to be undisciplined in our eating/body care ... we will reap unhealthiness and unwanted fat. We will lose respect and a be left with a weakened platform from which to proclaim God (I Corinthians 3:16-17).
  

• If we choose not to spend time with our families ... we will lose intimacy and influence - maybe even them (Ephesians 5:1-2; 6:4).
  

• If we choose to be friends with an angry man ... we will become angry and bitter (Proverbs 22:24-25).

• If we don't allow God to control our mind ... we will reap a weak darkened mind that will get us into all manner of trouble (Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 10:3-5).
  

Flowers

• If we choose to have a consistent time in God's Word and in prayer with Him ... we will reap inner strength and godly character (Psalm 1).


• If we choose to keep our focus on God ... we will reap contentment and peace (Isaiah 26:3).


• If we choose to fear/respect God ... we will reap lasting inner beauty (Proverbs 31:30).


• If we are friendly and speak the truth in love ... we will be blessed with genuine friendships (Proverbs 18:24).

• If we put on the armor of God ... we will be able to stand strong in battle (Ephesians 6:10-18).

• If we choose to embrace our weakness ... we will find God's strength more than sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9-10).

This list could go on and on. Precious Sisters - as we go about our days making choices and responding to life, instead of just patting each other sympathetically on the back - let's prayerfully and humbly encourage one another to choose to plant beautiful seeds of godliness in our gardens . . . so that when people see the verdant blooms all around us, they will look up to the One who made it all possible.

"...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works ... exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:22-25