Posted in Its a CARNIVAL

 

As I contemplated the topic this week these are just a few thoughts I had...

 

Beauty in the Desert

 

I am a gardener.  I have loved gardening for over 15 years.  We moved to the desert about 10 years ago and at that time the challenges began.  If you have ever tried to grow things in the desert then you immediately recognize the challenges that I have had.  The landscape seemed so dreary and dismal.  It still does most days but God has shown me some things through the trials of gardening this harsh land and taught me some lessons along the way.

 

Good soil is a must.

 

In the desert there are lots of rocks and lots of sand.  Some things grow naturally here that do not require soil treatment but they were meant to grow in that soil.  The cactus and succulent plant life that grows here are plants that store water and are used to the drought conditions.  The other things that I have tried to grow here have failed until I do one important thing.  I have to buy special soil and build raised beds.  Once the soil is nutrient full the plants thrive.  They need the added nutrients to survive and then to grow to their full potential.

 

Sunshine is a good thing but...

All sunshine makes Sahara

(this is an Arabic Proverb that I calligraphed awhile back)

 

We get about 360 days of sunshine here in, what is known as, the Sun City.  That makes for harsh summers and lots of drought.  It is a refreshing blessing when we see rain in the area and all the plants, trees and grass just soak it up and look so amazingly green on the landscape when we get such rain.  When we have no rain for long periods of time and are on drought conditions we are only allowed to water about once a week.  The terrain looks sparse and brown and all things green begin to die.  That makes for lots and lots of sand and dirt. 

 

Beauty can come from the most desolate places.

 

There are tiny little specks of beauty that pop up even in times of drought.  They show up in the most amazing places.  The cactus will bloom for short periods of time and then there will be these beautiful yellow and purplish pink flowers that decorate the landscape.  There are little blossoms that will pop up among a pile of rocks.  There is even a plant called a Century Plant that will spend 70 plus years growing with no bloom only to finally spend it's dying energy to produce a most excellent bloom and then die.  The desert really does have it's wonders...

 

Water is essential.

 

Even the most hearty desert cactus must have water to survive.  The cactus plant is one that will store water from a rain for long periods of time but eventually it has to rain again for it to survive.  For the plants in our yard we water them about three times a week.  We recently planted fruit trees and without water there is no fruit and the trees will not grow taller or thrive.  One year we had fruit come on the trees but with the drought conditions the fruit shrivelled and died right on the tree.  For anything to grow there must be water.

 

Lessons from the Desert Garden

 

From these observations God has shown me some valuable things.

 

Good soil is a must even in the spiritual realm.  When Jesus told the parable of the seed and soil it was important to have good soil.  When the seed was scattered along the path it was trampled.  When it was scattered among the rocks it was baked in the sun and burned up.  When it was scattered among the weeds it was choked out but when it was put into good soil it was allowed to grow up and become healthy and strong.  When God's word is planted in our spirits is it allowed to grow?  Do we have good soil that allows the truths and principles of God to grow strong and stand the test of time?

 

Sunshine is a good thing but... All sunshine makes Sahara.  People that tell us that we should live a stress free, problem free life just have no idea what they are talking about.  Should we worry and fret?  No, God is very specific in telling us that we should not worry or be concerned with the things of life.  He is faithful to provide for us.  It does, however, show us that life is not without problems.  The problems that come into our lives are not a reflection of sin in our lives or lack of faith but instead a way of making us beautiful.  Job's life was not problem free.  Paul is another example of trials and tribulations and we get to see in both instances how God made their lives count for Him.  They were of value to the Kingdom of God because of those storms that came into their lives.  Rain has to fall but it does not have to destroy us.  It can make us beautiful and fruitful and we should let it.

 

Beauty can come from the most desolate places.  From the most awful things God can work the most magnificent wonders.  We are told in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.  The most horrific tragedy can produce the most beautiful faith and witness.  Beauty can be found in the deserts of our lives. 

 

Water is essential!  Everyone needs water.  I am talking about the Living Water that Jesus gave to the Samaritan Woman.  Eternal life is that water that EVERYONE needs.  Only Jesus can bring the water that doesn't leave us thirsty.  Once we know Jesus and have that Living Water it is essential to keep feeding and watering that faith through a growing relationship with Him.  He wants to nurture and feed us.  He wants to bring us that daily watering through His word.  Do you have that Living Water?  Do you let Him feed you daily through the Bible and prayer?  I pray today that you will make that decision not to die on the vine but instead to let Jesus be your Gardener.  Let Him fill your very being with His Living Water of Salvation.  Trust Him...

 

written by Leann Richardson

March 28, 2006

 

 

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