Planting

            I told you a couple of weeks ago that we have moved into our home, and we are now truly settling into place.  Folks have asked if we have everything in place, and I have responded, “Well, if Tina would just work a little harder we probably would.” I’m probably fortunate that Tina has a good sense of humor.

           Anyway, we are getting there.  For the most part Tina is decorating the inside, and I’m handling the landscaping.  I’ve laid sod, planted azaleas, camellias, boxwoods, lantana, and several shrubs for which I do not even know the name. I’ve spread more bales of pine straw than I care to consider.  And I’ve drug hoses and sprinklers around to make sure that everything gets watered.

            Finally, I’ve prayed, and I’ve given thanks. The truth is that I have worked very hard in the yard. I’ve tried to follow proper methods for planting and mulching. But I’ve also remembered this. I can do all of these things correctly, but I cannot make anything grow.  I am fully dependent on the Lord for His grace.

To the Corinthian church Paul wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” He was speaking of the growth of churches, but the principle is the same. Both in the church, and in the yard, I have work to do. I need to be faithful to do my part. But only God can give the growth. Only God can change lives.

            We are stewards for the Lord, whether in the church or the yard.  God could have done it all without us. But He allows us to participate in His work. And He makes this one request. As Paul said to the Corinthians, “It is required of stewards to be found faithful.” May we be faithful as we serve the Lord.