Thick as Green Pea Soup

by Melissa Henderson

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. Genesis 1:11 NIV

Yellow jonquils open their blooms and reach for the sky. Purple crocuses seeking sunshine inch their way out of the soil. Bluebirds chirp and sing while finding seeds at the feeder that hangs from the crepe myrtle tree. Spring is arriving.

I love Spring. From beautiful flowers to singing birds to local plant stores offering an array of gardening equipment, I look forward to it every year. God provides the most glorious sights, sounds, and scents for us to absorb and enjoy.

Working the garden allows me to share time with God and thank Him for His gifts. Poking holes in the dirt with my finger and dropping seeds begins the planting process. Covering the holes with more soil and sprinkling a bit of water will help the plants grow.

As I work in the garden, I think of the Lord God. “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden of the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8 NIV).

I don’t want to hide from the Lord. I listen for His messages in the gentle breeze and warm sunshine that open my heart to receive comfort and peace.

Jesus likened the work of a gardener to the Kingdom of God. “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how he himself does not know…” (Mark 4:26-27 NASB). We ‘plant’ the Word of God into our minds and others, but the transformation and growth are accomplished by the Holy Spirit—the agent of change.  

The work and effort that goes into growing beautiful flowers takes time. It is the same with our spiritual plantings. As with our fledgling little plants, we need to be patient. Much of His work goes on beneath the surface, so mostly cannot readily be seen, but we can trust Him to make everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

There is one thing that bothers me in the Spring. It’s the “thick as green pea soup” yellow and green pollen covering sidewalks, porches, roofs, vehicles, and porch furniture. The pollen causes me to have severe reactions. Although I may not be able to play in the great outdoors during the worst of the pollen invasion, I can cultivate my heart by spending time in God’s Word. Every time I read the Bible, there is something new to glean.

God created for six days and rested on the seventh day. I work in my flower garden and then rest. The call to rest after working reminds me to pause, reflect, refresh, and renew.

Thank You, God for the lessons there are in my gardening. Thank you for the times I sit with You and rest. Thank you for your faithfulness in transforming me. Amen.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With articles, devotions, and stories online and in print publications, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are in helping the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Join the conversation: Do you have a flower or vegetable garden? What do you enjoy most about working the soil?

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