lessons from the garden - part i

Over the course of the past couple years I've done some contemplating on the parallels between gardening and life. There is a lot one can learn from the garden. Lessons from the garden can apply to relationships, work, family, and spirituality.

Every step in gardening is a lesson and every lesson can be applied to much of life. I am reminded how Jesus used a variety of farming illustrations to teach spiritual principles. Over the next few posts I am going to attempt to do the same. I will share a step of gardening, a principle and an application. There may be many applications to the principle, but due to time, I am going to stick with one. My first lesson is from the dirt.

To grow healthy plants you need to start with healthy soil. Many people over look this crucial step. If you don't have the right soil, then you will never get good fruit, which of course is what all vegetable growers desire. We want yummy, abundant, disease free fruit. To get this, you have to start with the soil. You could put it this way, healthy soil is the foundation for healthy growth.

First the soil needs to be tested. In testing the soil you can determine its strengths and weaknesses. From there you can determine how to amend the soil. Maybe the soil lacks potassium or maybe it has to much clay and not enough organic material or maybe the ph is to low. Whatever the case, your soil test helps you determine how to improve the soil and thus improve your growing potential. Not only will you get more fruit from healthy soil, you will also get stronger plants, meaning they will be more disease resistant. Bugs have a knack for attacking weak plants, if your plants are strong they will both deter and resist attacks.

Now here's the principle: a good foundation is essential for a successful ________________. You fill in the blank. It could be marriage, business, relationship, church, or career. It all starts with a good foundation.

I recall Jesus talking about building your house on a good foundation - the rock. The rock being his Word. Building your life based on the truths and principles of God's Word will give a person a solid foundation, one that will last through the storms.

So how's your foundation? Have you tested it? Do you know where it needs to be strengthened or amended? Do you need some organic matter or possibly some nitrogen? Maybe you need some integrity or faithfulness or maybe it's honesty or humility you need.

We all need to amend our soil, whatever it may be. Starting with a good foundation or strengthening your existing foundation means bearing healthy and abundant fruit. And who doesn't want that!