Friday, September 19, 2014

"Milking It"

I Peter 2:2 "...like newborn babes long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect for salvation."

After a long summer of watching the full cycle of sunflowers bask in the sun, seeds germinate, sprout, grow tall and bud in color; roses open and petals fall, the reaping time is before us. So, I trim back a little, pull stuff up, gather seeds for next summer's garden. Left with a memory in a photo file of what was, what could be again next year.

 I only ask for grace and time to allow the work to continue.

As the season winds down, I recall the fulfillment of watching things grow and mature.  To see, learn and apply, to reach a full potential, I know it takes patience and caring, correct feeding and nurturing, attention to details and planning. There is a longing, a hope for more, for a strength to thrive, for a legacy to grow strong roots.

I only ask for grace and time to continue to live in the promise of another summer garden.

Purchasing several large pumpkins on our "Timmy weekend," trip to Ventura last September, a pumpkin seed, only one, found its way into the dirt by accident really, leaving the bottom of the fruit. Almost Christmas,  my son said, "Mom, time for the pumpkins to go away..."  I sat them in the back planter where my tomatoes usually grow, adding bright color to my dull winter garden. The insects took their toll and soon, they rotted.

I only ask for grace and time to continue to remember and tell my story.

Sprouting and winding through the garden, I hoped for a sign of fruit.  This week I thought whatever I had left in my garden might wither away in our oppressive heatwave, over 100 degrees for 5 days straight.  To my surprise, and in plain view,  a small rounded, green shape appeared to give me hope of a Thanksgiving treat.

I only ask for grace and time to watch it grow.



That was Monday and today, Friday at 3:15 a.m., another new beautiful hope for tomorrow was born, our great niece, Pepper Ann.  She's a tiny little precious bundle and beautiful. I see and know brand new life again, its sacredness, holiness,  and the love that nurtures it. In 6 days, we'll be celebrating a day when our own precious and beautiful bundle burst forth and planted himself deep in our hearts.

I only ask for grace and time to complete my purpose until we meet again.

Father God, giver of new life, what a gift and a joyous celebration it is today. In the respect to salvation, I thrive in hope. To not wither when the going gets tough is my strength in which I am grateful. I  sip...even guzzle in the sweet milk of Your Word. May it continue to fill my soul with satisfaction and wisdom. God, You are my sustenance, my sanctification in growth. To yield the fruit of the Spirit, I embrace all that You lavish on me and prepare me to be in You. I only ask for grace and time to admire the pumpkins and the pregancies, to delight in prodicals and pre-schoolers, to celebrate in the  power of promise. May my cup be full to the brim as I pour out and internalize more of the pure milk of your Word. Amen.


3 comments:

  1. I love the manner in which you describe the Word of God as the essential perfect food.

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  2. Gorgeous pictures and love how the garden and it's produce evokes the Word!

    ReplyDelete