Two large garden boxes compose a part of the landscape for our yard. Situated on the south side of the house, they receive a lot of sunshine – perfect for growing plants.
Gary and I wandered through Home Depot selecting herbs, vegetables, and flowers to grow in the garden boxes. Basil, Cilantro, Rosemary, Oregano, and hot peppers comprised some of the plants. These were already a few inches into maturity, so I just needed to cultivate their continued development into a flourishing garden. As we headed to the checkout, I walked by a stand with hundreds of different seed packets. I saw the pumpkin seed packets and chose two.
I’m not sure why, but I have always wanted to grow pumpkins from seeds. However, I was late to the best planting timeline. Planting them in late July was not ideal since pumpkins typically require up to 120 days to mature. This meant the pumpkins would not be ready to harvest until just before Thanksgiving (Nov. 23). Nevertheless, I felt eager to try.
Have you ever planted vegetables, herbs, or flowers from seeds? What was the experience like for you?
Gary and I planted the herbs, vegetables, and flowers we purchased in the rich soil and then playfully distributed the pumpkin seeds at the ends of each garden box. We faithfully watered the plants each day. Within two weeks, nestled next to the growing herbs and vegetables, little green sprouts poked through the soil where the pumpkin seeds were planted. I experienced much surprise and delight!
I was so excited. I took pictures of my little sprouts and cheered them on as I watered them throughout the week. I remember feeling amazed that the seeds actually were growing into pumpkin plants. When the plants began to exhibit bright yellow flowers, I took more pictures. I prayed the flowers would be fertilized.
In the last few weeks, I noticed round green balls growing from some of the flowers. I shrieked with joy; there should be pumpkins by Thanksgiving.
As of now, I count six little baby gourds growing. Currently, they show different measurements ranging from the size of a lime to the size of a small cantaloupe. Hopefully they will all become nice sized pumpkins by Thanksgiving. My soul thrills to see the development of fruit from the seeds.
I wonder if God responds similarly to the seeds He plants in our lives?
- When He plants seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control in our lives, does He watch and wait with anticipation for the sprouts to poke through in the ways we live?
- In delight, does God “take pictures” of the sprouts, flowers, and fruit growing within our souls?
- Perhaps, God even shrieks in pleasure when the fruit becomes visible not just to Himself but the world around us?
Just as the apostle Peter reminded Christ followers of his day, we receive the same exhortation today; to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
I ponder with the Lord about the seeds He plants within me. How are those seeds growing?
Right now, I notice seeds of perseverance, grace, trust, and peace sprouting and flowering within my soul. The roots from these seeds dig deep into the soil of my soul. I want to cultivate these by watering them and nourishing them with Scripture, prayer, time with others, silence, and rest. I ask God to bring about robust fruit that flourishes within my soul for His glory and the good of others.
Take a moment to wonder with God about the seeds He has planted within you during this season of life. How are you cultivating the seeds you notice growing in your life? Do you ask God to help the seeds in your life flourish?
Several weeks remain for the pumpkins in my garden patch to mature. With joy, I watch over them, give them water, and anticipate their growth.
Imagine the Lord watching over the seeds within your life, receive the nourishment He provides, and know He delights in your maturity and growth. (Hebrews 6:1)
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Luke 8:15 – The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Colossians 1:9-13 – We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Jerry Bridges. Growing Your Faith: How to Mature in Christ. Colorado Springs, CO. 2004.
Jerry Bridges. The Fruitful Life. Colorado Springs, CO. 2018.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
True Vine Music. Ready Set Grow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlf5RGYFeZA
Elevation Worship. Praise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2oxGYpuLkw
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 13 – Breathe Retreat, Littleton CO
October 19-November 2 – Manila, Philippines
If you’d like to watch a video from when I shared with Denver Seminary students about my trip to the Ukraine – here is the link: https://vimeo.com/846794477?share=copy