A few weeks ago, we planted the garden with a variety of vegetables and herbs. Since then, I tenderly care for the young plants by watering them, talking to them (lol), and paying attention to their growth. With the awareness that Colorado weather is characterized as temperamental, we purchased an additional tarp to cover and protect the garden in the case of hail.
In a surprising way, the daily rhythm of watering the plants, watching for growth, and paying attention to the weather nourishes to my soul. I desire to give these plants the opportunity to grow strong roots and become fruitful this summer. My mind, heart, and body settle as I move about the garden space.
Yesterday I received several weather alerts concerning thunderstorms in the area. I diligently watched the radar to see if the severe weather endangered my home. As I looked, it seemed that my location was positioned just outside the “severe” area, but to expect heavy rain. The rain began…and then…I heard the sound of something more than rain. The kerplunk of hail hit the roof, ground, and to my realization, the garden.
In haste, I pulled on shoes, grabbed the tarps, and ran into the storm. Although pelted by olive-sized hail, I maneuvered a tarp over each garden bed. As I finished arranging the second tarp, the hail subsided and returned to rain. I breathed a sigh of relief, gently removed the tarps, setting them alongside the edge, and returned inside to tend to my soaked clothing. After drying off and getting into comfortable warm clothing, I heard, once again, the rain transitioning into hail! Kerplunk.
Again, in haste, I pulled on shoes and ran into the storm. This time, after arranging the tarps, I secured them with a few rocks and returned inside, soaked once again. Whether rain or hail, I determined to leave the garden covered by the tarps until the morning.
Hail – pellets of frozen rain which fall in showers from cumulonimbus clouds, or metaphorically, those things in life which potentially may jeopardize growth.
Today I find myself pondering the hail. Just like hail jeopardizes the growth of plants, especially those trying to take root, I wondered about those things in life that jeopardize growth in the spiritual journey. What if the plants in the garden represent different spiritual practices?
For example, practices such as prayer, journaling, going to church, worship, Scripture study, service, confession, silence, contemplation, celebration, rest, fasting, etc. The purposes of these practices are growth with God, conformity into the image of Christ, and depth in discernment by the Holy Spirit. Yet, when “hail” falls, the practices that root us in the Lord can take a hit, if not protected and guarded.
Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
What actions and attitudes become like hail in the spiritual journey, jeopardizing deep roots in God?
Brainstorm with me…When we live with rhythms that nurture our connection and communion with God, how then, do we find ourselves disconnected from the Trinity, disheartened with ourselves and others, distracted, and distressed? What mindsets stir up stormy weather, allowing “hail,” to hit our lives? These come to my mind:
Perhaps…
The practices we take part in become rote or compulsory instead of life-giving and voluntary. Kerplunk.
Circumstances overshadow the presence of Christ. Kerplunk.
Time seems like an enemy rather than a gift. Kerplunk.
Work relationships evolve into unhealthy attachments. Kerplunk.
Occupation drives identity. Kerplunk.
Outward appearances surpass honesty with God and self. Kerplunk.
Over-responsibility and disordered obligation obscure the resolve for recreation and rest. Kerplunk.
Loving interdependence with friends and family drifts into disconnection. Kerplunk.
Conversations morph into controlled dialogue. Kerplunk.
Authenticity hides behind performance. Kerplunk.
Fun and laughter feel frivolous as opposed to light-hearted engagement. Kerplunk.
What other mindsets arise within you that jeopardize growth, leading to disconnection, distraction, and distress with God and others?
What if, when the proverbial rain falls, we wrongly assume our practices are safe from harm? We mistakenly hope our roots dig deep with God in order to experience secure intimate attachment. However, we miss the signals that hail approaches. We pay little attention to the subtle mindset shifts, attitudes, and behaviors that fail to truly lead us closer to the heart of God. The “storms” come and we are hit by hail and begin to believe false narratives concerning our lives and others. Practices intended to draw us deep with God experience danger and destruction; our heart’s posture shifts and we are exposed to the harmful “elements.”
Nevertheless, as followers of God Almighty, we can conduct ourselves with intentionality. We can guard our hearts by abiding in God. With deliberate choice, we can collaborate with God and endeavor to protect His movement within our soul which allows for deep roots in our spiritual journeys (1 Corinthians 3:9).
John 15:3-5 – “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
I want to have my “tarp” ready – How about you? Join me – get your “tarp” ready…
Pay attention to the “weather” surrounding your life.
Pray for supernatural spiritual covering.
Engage in community, allowing others to companion alongside of you with authenticity and integrity.
Reflect upon your thought patterns and attitudes.
Examine daily choices and actions.
Confess to God feelings of apathy, egotism, and distraction.
Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you into wholeness and truth.
Look to Jesus and His way of living for inspiration.
Allow yourself to rest in the safe secure connection and protection of God.
Abide in God. Guard your heart. Protect your soul. Experience deep rootedness with the Lord (even when the hail falls: kerplunk).
This week – – –
Reflect. Think about Proverbs 23:19 – “Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path.” Wonder with God about the practices that nurture your relationship with God. Consider the depth of your roots. In what ways does God invite you to grow with Him? Who could you invite to journey with you, offering encouragement, support, and inspiration?
Request. Take a moment to reflect with God on the list of mindsets that bring “hail” into our spiritual journeys. Let God stir any to which you are exposed. Welcome God’s presence with you. Confess these ways of thought and living (1 John 1:9). Receive the forgiveness of God. Ask God to be your tarp of protection. Rest peacefully under the care of God.
Receive. How can you get your tarp ready? Meditate on John 15:3-5. Choose a way to guard your heart and protect God’s movement within your soul. Receive God’s love and care for you as you cultivate growth and depth with Jesus.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Christopher Maricle. Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God. Nashville, TN. 2016.
Paul Chappell. Rooted in Christ: 366 Scriptural Devotions for Growing Christians. Lancaster, CA. 2012.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Kerri Roberts. Rooted. Click here to watch and listen.
Maverick City. Firm Foundation. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
May 31-June 15 – Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA – Soul care and teaching for the Black Rock Summer Staff.