The Master Gardener

Being God's tender seed

God is a gardener and we are his tender seeds. And there are so many factors that determine how you grow- weather, soil, nutrient, nature etc.

Weather: there are typically 4 seasons and each season is very different from the other. We have Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in a continuous cycle and no season is more important than the other, there is a need for each one. God is very intentional with His design. Autumn is what prepares you for winter, if a plant went straight from summer to winter, it might not survive. It is autumn that leaves are shed and a plant stocks up nutrients since photosynthesis will be on hold during winter, so it is a very key season. Shedding is a hard place to be, where God has asked you to let go of somethings thatl you hold dear to your heart. If can be likened to pruning where God is removing the thorns and thistles that prevents His word from taking root. It is essentially laying aside every weight.

Soil: there is clay, sandy and loamy soil and each soil is peculiar. Clay is usually waterlogged and doesn't allow aeration which isn't great for plant growth, it is also very prone to erosion. Sandy soil on the other hand has big pores so water just passes through, it is like when a word enters through one ear and goes out the other, it is hard for plants to grow here because it doesn't retain the water needed. Loamy is usually the best but it isn't the best looking soil, it usually contains organic matter- which is typically dirt, manure, dead plants - but these all contribute to it being the best soil for growth. However, there are certain plants that actually prefer the clay or sandy soil and won't grow in any other soil, we must discern that we are in the right field for our growth, not just where everyone else is.

Nutrient: just like animals and humans eat for their nutrients, plants require nutrients too. Some plants can get all their nutrients from the soil they grow in but others require supplements either through fertilization or a symbiotic relationship with soil animals. (I will leave you to discern his this applies to you). There is also something called nutrient toxicity, where too much of a nutrient can be toxic. Yes, nutrients are great but only in the right proportion.

Nature: this refers to the type of plants- it can be annual, biannual or perennial. And these 3 can't be compared. A perennial plant takes a long time but it stays the longest while a annual plant has a total lifespan of a year. So imagine that when a annual plant has sprouted and brought forth fruit, a perennial is just there looking worthless. While a annual or biannual is sprouting and blooming, a perennial is growing downwards building up it's roots so it can withstand whatever comes whether it be erosion, wind or flood.

I love the illustration of us as seeds that turn to plants because it means that we all must bring forth fruits and not be like the fig tree Jesus cursed.

[ I hope you enjoyed and were blessed by these 2 blog posts, it felt nice to be back to the groove of writing, Holy Spirit will tell if it is time to resume fully. In the meantime, I love You and God loves You even more. I pray for your progress and joy in the faith]