“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by preserving produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15 NIV)

This is the time of year when I begin to anticipate the warm days of summer. When we lived in Tennessee, my father and my uncle used a portion of our large yard for their garden. During the months leading up to the actual planting, they talked about seeds, soil, equipment, weather, and schedules.

Our children were small then and loved to watch “Pop-pop” and “Uncle George” working in the garden. Sometimes, the children were allowed to help. First, they helped clear the fallen tree limbs, stray rocks, or anything else that would hinder the tiller. Next, they watched as
Pop-pop mowed the yard and gardening area. Finally, it was time for Uncle George to till the soil.

Pop-pop and Uncle George never had an audience when they put down the
fertilizer. The kids always found a reason to stay indoors.

Finally, it would be time to sow the seeds or plant the seedlings. The kids understood that it would take a while for the plants to become ready for harvest, but that didn’t keep them from checking the garden every day. Rain or shine, they made the trek down to the garden.
They anticipated and watched for their favorite vegetable.

Pop-pop and Uncle George did all the hard work, but my children thought that they were also helping by being diligent in their watch.

As spring turned into summer and then fall, the crops would come in.  It was more of a game for the kids to harvest their favorites. I never had to try to get them to eat their vegetables. They believed that they had worked hard for the produce, and they wanted to enjoy their “labor.”

Sometimes I reflect back on those simple days of summer and find inspiration as I think about my children’s anticipation. It helps me renew my desire to keep my faith and trust in God stirred up on a daily basis.

I have to remind myself to look to God to help me accomplish everything that He is calling me to do. If I don’t give up and if I keep pressing forward, I will be able to perform my daily tasks and attain an even larger goal.

Regardless of the physical challenges or limitations that we face, we have to remember that we can set goals. We can have dreams. We can stretch ourselves. We can impact the lives of others.

It may take us longer. We may have to get creative in order to get things done. We may need frequent rest breaks. However, if we persevere, we will be able to see the fruits from our hard work.

It takes planning, just like my dad and uncle planned. All we have to do is look at the larger task, break it down into manageable increments and take each day as it comes. Of course, the schedule must be flexible, allowing time for the unexpected. We can’t beat ourselves up when we have set backs and delays because of our health. We must find a way to keep a good attitude and keep our focus on God.

He knows of every road block we’ll encounter, and He will give us the strength, wisdom, patience, and courage to persist.

Prayer: Father, thank You for seed-time and harvest, for the gardens in our lives. Help us to endure, to press forward, while keeping our focus on You. Don’t let fear keep us from trying to reach our dreams. Give us the wisdom to take each day as it comes.