Green Thumb

Last year I started my tomato plants from seed. It was this time of year but much sunnier and warmer than now, and I was very optimistic. I placed a lot of seeds into those little squares of dirt and willed them to grow. I cheered them on as they broke through the soil and stretched themselves out. I followed all the directions, this was my first time to plant from seed, and eventually placed them into the garden and watered them faithfully.

Not much happened.

I think we ended up with about twelve tomatoes at the table that came from seed. We had plenty of tomatoes last year, but only because I also planted full plants that someone else had started, and those were more successful. Maybe I’m not cut out to garden this way.

And yet, yesterday I found myself carefully placing tiny seeds into those little squares of dirt all over again. I’m already looking for signs of change and can’t wait to see the first bit of green. Sometimes I can be ridiculously optimistic.

I wonder if God is the same way with you and me. He went to a lot of trouble to create this place and these people. So much care was given to set apart His chosen people, but most didn’t appreciate it. He sent his son to pay for our sins, and we didn’t deserve it. He knew that I would disappoint Him and not represent Him well, but he made me anyway.

I’m so thankful our God is ridiculously optimistic about His garden.

The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11