NATALIE'S GARDEN

"Do you hear the bicycle's bell? It's Natalie, she will ride through the park and come to the garden." All week I prayed Natalie would appear, as if a single face would help me make sense of the poverty and need found in the brokenness of the world. Years ago I had come to this community with the youth of our church but I could not process the overwhelming stories, the raw pain and sadness I encountered, so I worked in the community garden. I weeded as if pulling crab grass could change lives; it felt hopeless and useless, but we created space for beauty to take root.

As I stepped into the community park this year I was surprised to find the Seeds of Strength Neighborhood Garden well cared for and growing, yet there were still a few empty planting boxes. We worked on the big picture, installing a gutter for the rain barrel and creating a  compost bin, but I waited for the small miracle, the face of a little child. She arrived on Thursday afternoon, ringing her bike bell, as if to let the world know she was on her way. She broke open the hearts of the girls on my garden team and she solidified the purpose in my heart, to sow love, to work at bringing beauty, to never give up hope.

A girl's dream, a garden of her own, replete with the touches that childhood brings: painted rocks and blooming flowers, restored my dream as well. Pouring love and energy into the world around us creates beauty and joy. I am merely a  shadow in the picture of Natalie's garden and life, but we have touched her with our love and she has changed us. We hope, we work, we pray, we love, all in the Name of the One who brings joy and transformation to a hurting world, to a single life.

Who and how are you loving today?

Medicine from Sacred Scripture:

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously... you will be made rich in every way so that on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

 2 Corinthians 9:6,11

CALM SEAS

Sailing on Sunday refreshed and quieted me, though I was holding on for dear life as the boat tipped upwards to gather wind. Perhaps this is the way to following God no matter what the weather. When seas are rough it is natural to reach for God, our own resources not being enough for our circumstances, and when all is calm we carry on with a faithful love that keeps us safe on our journey.

The demands of life toss me about till I am weary and worn. It used to be the incessant demands of toddlers needing one more thing- one more story, one more game, one more hug, one more nap. My "one more" has changed, but the pressure and performance remain. One more berry to pick, another batch of jam to make, this friend needing a call and those children needing a meal. My sailing friend felt this as well, "how can I let go of things so easily out here on the ocean?" It is because illusions are stripped in the sheer vastness, reminding me of my smallness and His greatness.

As we draw near land I let go of my vise-grip hold on the rigging and relax. This is telling. I have found my land legs and lost my perspective. At sea I realize I am a mere passenger on this boat, and have a great King sailing with me who would very much desire that I let Him trim the sails and set the course of my life. My haste to get to land where I can feel the ground beneath my feet and walk where I will, unaided, shows me how very precarious my vessel is. Sailing lessons might be in order.

Have you found yourself, "in over your head," in certain areas of your life? Perhaps this is where faith to follow the One who calmed the waves and the wind come in.

Medicine from Sacred Writings:

"For they, as being strong, are able even in the midst of the raging waters to enjoy calm; but you, who are leaky on every side, have need of tranquility, and to take a little breath after the successive waves." 

John Chrysostom