Four years ago I remember how excited I was to be planting our front courtyard.
I had envisioned what I wanted it to look like; there would be an agave, hibiscus, bougainvillea, cactus, a lime tree, Mexican bird of paradise and tecoma. Spaced throughout the yard would be potted plants, bird baths and rock rivers.
I remember wondering what it would look like when given the chance to grow. How would it have matured and changed in 5 years. This is but year 4 and it has truly changed.
The agave bloomed and died. The hibiscus has been replaced with a rose bush, more pots have been added and we have cleared a spot for hollyhocks. The bougainvillea, bird of paradise and tecoma still bring beautiful color and the mums bloom all year long.
I love it! It’s a visible change.
And then as it is with most things in life, this growth has caused me to look at my life in Christ. Have I matured and grown? Is that growth visible? Do I look and act more like Jesus than I did 4 years ago?
In the past years of my adult life I have sown seeds that have produced a wonderful marriage (although we had to pull up some weeds along the way), 3 children and their mates, 4 grandchildren, and numerous friends who have been apart of our lives for so many years.
I have planted seeds of encouragement, of faith in God’s word and confidence in His unfailing, unconditional love.
Then there are the plants that had to be rooted out; things like bitterness, anger, selfishness and discontentment. These had to be dug up and pulled out by the roots so that the other seeds could grow and produce fruit.
So this morning as I marvel at the growth of the lime tree, fire bells, and bougainvillea, I pray that there has been as much growth to the shoots of hospitality, acceptance, forgiveness, peace, joy, healing and restoration.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 KJV
It is my desire that all who come to our courtyard will know God’s goodness and the abundant life that He has given us in Christ Jesus.
“The earth causes plants to grow, and a garden makes the seeds planted there rise up. In the same way, the Lord God will make goodness and praise grow throughout the nations.” Isaiah 61:11 ERV