GARDENING TIP by Jenny Cote

"Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time to every activity under heaven." ECCLESIASTES 3:1

I must say, our garden’s pretty cool. It didn’t happen overnight, and it could’ve seemed overwhelming to maintain. But in praying for God’s direction to do the right things at the right times, a real economy of labor occurs. The fruit of the labor, a beautiful garden, seems to begin in the dark, damp days that don’t invite gardening activities. That’s when I’ve come to just sit, either in the garden or at a window, relaxing and taking it all in, without an agenda. In those quiet times, I may even get a vision from God. A great though simple verse, Psalm 46:10 (NLT), says, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"

In my garden and in my life, I’ve often been overwhelmed with "agendas"- plans I believe have to happen. The weeds may seem insurmountable, the projects too ambitious, the work too intense. Perhaps that’s part of why God directs us to be still at times. I need those times to get closer to God, to His perspective. Some of my plans may change at that point, all for the better! I’m amazed at how often I’ve thought I knew the "priority of the day," only to feel God giving me a different direction. True freedom comes in letting go of my agendas to follow His.

Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Cote has been running The New Deli of Pinole, CA, with husband Tom for over twenty years. As a chef and cookbook author, with a small business and two kids to raise, Jennifer discovered efficient practices and great recipes along the way. Now a grandmother as well, sharing life lessons in between recipes helps her keep things in perspective.