The Garden

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ~1 Corinthians 12:27

Today my dad told me about a new blank slate in the landscape of our entryway. Before he said he wanted to do something different to the space, I had barely noticed it--aside from the fact I knew there was one odd looking plant there that was a horrible combination of sparse and sprawling. He had the gardener remove it a few days ago and this morning we went to the local nursery. I admit I don't have a green thumb, but oddly enough I was asked to design the landscapes for the backyards of two homes I've lived in, and they turned out very nice. The point I'm getting to in this story is that my level of excitement for what is planned to be planted next time the gardener comes is quite high. I have found myself imagining how pretty it will look; I even took pictures of the selected plants.

So what will be different about this space versus the other beautiful garden areas we have? I'm invested in it! I participated, I took effort to go and look at plants, talk about their needs, discuss purpose, plan the space, and hand pick the healthiest and prettiest flowers. This same effort is required in our walk with God! We don't have to go it alone either--we should have teachers, mentors, and friends in the faith just as with my adventure today; I had the staff at the nursery, my dad, and the gardener scheduled to plant them--we even have the plants being delivered. We all have a part in the body of Christ too, and all parts serve a specific function, if they were not needed, God would not have included them in the body! If you don't know what part you are that's okay, begin by living your life for God and He will teach and guide you through the Holy Spirit in His time which is always perfect. Praise be to God!

AMEN