The Garden Grows . . .
April, 2008

I planted lots of seeds last month . . . . they have sprouted, and sprouted, and sprouted! I was dumbfounded to discover that the “24” Coleus I planted was really closer to 200! The seeds were so small that I rolled them in my fingers as I scattered them over the little peat pots, thinking I might get “a few” extra! Instead, I found myself sitting and transplanting the tiniest seedlings I have ever attempted to handle, into individual pots or trays of six each. I was so amazed that practically every seed in the packet sprouted – some of them in the oddest places -- and I couldn’t bring myself to throw any of the seedlings away. What is more astounding to me is that ALL of them survived the transplanting! What a boon! The plant sale will get a few of each kind of seeds I planted, of course, with more Coleus than any!

As I used a Garden Gate as a metaphor for Easter in my Easter sermon, I guess it is fitting that at home I have that metaphor of God’s never-ending grace extended to us on display so stunningly! What is more fun that a surprising abundance of goodness, whether that goodness is lots of little plants that promise lots of summer color in my yard, or a never-ending supply of God’s grace in my life, sprouting up frequently and in sometimes the oddest places!

It occurs to me, though, that all those seedlings will require a LOT of attention while they are still so small and tender and fragile, until they are mature enough to withstand a little neglect, a little wind and a little hardship. Just like our faith lives – sometimes our faith is small and fragile, and can’t seem to withstand even the tiniest problem that pops up, but as we become stronger, our faith roots are stronger, and our lives are able to withstand a storm or two.

Maybe, just maybe . . . as we grow, we will be able to shelter other newer, more fragile “seedlings” of faith that come to us to be planted in our church “soil.”

-- Pastor Lois Wagner