Cultivate Your Garden

One of the things I like about where we live is all of the perennial plantings and groupings. We have some color all throughout the year and plenty of greens and textures to enjoy. All of the homeowners seem to take the same approach to their landscaping with small areas or pots for seasonal color. It’s a smart way to design. The cost is up-front, but maintenance is so important. You need an “eye” for overall composition, but then you have to also narrow down to the specific. What needs to be let go and what needs to be restrained? What needs to be pruned back? What should be in the foreground and what in the background due to size and appeal. And especially here in San Diego, we look at what plants, shrubs and trees can be used that are drought-tolerant.

While admiring the beauty where I live, I was reminded of the Garden of Eden. I’m sure it was luscious with vibrant and subtle colors. I also thought about how the Creator of this beauty appointed Adam and Eve to “cultivate” the garden. They were to recognize the Father’s design plan and keep the garden according to His wise design. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve lost the privilege.

Thank heavens there’s a spark inside of me that LOVES His creation. I often circle my yard looking for weeds, cleaning out the dead leaves and pruning here and there. I’ve learned to cultivate the garden He’s given me in the natural.

As I continued to walk and admire man’s cultivation in our neighborhood, I was reminded of two scriptures:

Romans 8:21 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

And Luke 19:39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

How anxious I am for the Lord’s return and the establishment of His Kingdom rule upon His creation! But until that day, I’m determined to apply His dominion principles to my life as well as the land I cultivate.