I find a great deal of pleasure spending time in my yard. I love pruning the flowers and taking care of the plants.
When we lived in Spokane, Hayden and Dillon we always had large yards and it was my job to do the mowing. Not a riding lawnmower mind you but a gas push mower. I said on more than one occasion that I didn’t need a gym membership because I had at least 3/4 of acre of yard.
And even earlier than that – when we lived in Buckeye and I lspent most of my day on a swather cutting hay or on a baler I realized that time was my own – it was my place to be with my thoughts.
In that time – mowing, I did fill my thoughts with conversation with the Father. Sometimes those were thoughts of complaint and others were prayerful thoughts of love and adoration. And now, the time I spend in the yard taking care of my flowers and providing for the hummingbirds is a source of strength as I listen for the Father’s voice.
Remember the old hymn, I Come to the Garden? Well I find that while I’m there it’s a perfect time to walk and talk with the Father!
I used to deal with feelings of unworthiness and insecurity. I couldn’t be good enough for the Lord to truly love me and I wasn’t talented enough for Him to want to use me. But these times spent with the beauty He created gave me a real connection with His great love.
I used to ask the same question as the Psalms “what is man that thou are mindful of him”.
Yes Father, who am I that you are mindful of me? Why do you think about me? What do you think about me?
You created man for fellowship. You wanted someone to hang with – someone to walk and talk with – someone to share your heart with and so you created man. WOW!
You became our Father and you really like doing stuff with us! Thank you! O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name – how majestic it is to hang with you today!
“Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth! It brings you praise everywhere in heaven.
2 From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you. They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.
3 I look at the heavens you made with your hands. I see the moon and the stars you created.
4 And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you? Why do you even think about them? Why do you care so much about humans? Why do you even notice them?”
5 But you made them almost like gods and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You put them in charge of everything you made. You put everything under their control.
7 People rule over the sheep and cattle and all the wild animals.
8 They rule over the birds in the sky and the fish that swim in the sea.
9 Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!” Psalm 8 ERV
I encourage you today to find your quiet place – your garden and go alone so He can walk and talk with you and tell you of His great love!