The Discipline of Growth

Gardening has become a new joy of mine. I love the quiet of it all, the silent growth of tomatoes and bell peppers and basil. I love the feeling of the warm sun against my face. The embrace of gloves on my hands. The smell of soil and wood and water, all baked by the summer heat. I love the butterfly who visits. The birds that sing.

My garden is small and unassuming. I cherish the humble beginning of it. It’s simple and yet mysterious. The inner-workings of God’s creation burst forth to the surface in the form of flowers and fruits and vegetables, like edible gems, shiny and fresh.

God has been using this new hobby of mine to speak rich and practical spiritual truths over my life. I’m learning to stake my life to Christ for ultimate growth. Through gardening, the Lord is also showing me the discipline it takes to grow.

Consistency matters.

A couple months ago, I planted some zinnia seeds. I purchased pots and saucers and grabbed a big bag of soil. I excitedly planted the seeds. I watered them consistently…for about a week. The seedlings sprouted little green leaves that pushed through the soil. I watered them…inconsistently. Not surprisingly, the newly sprouted zinnias quickly died in the hot summer sun under my less-than-ideal watering schedule.

About 3 weeks ago, I decided to try again. Undeterred by my previous failed attempt and ready to commit to a better watering schedule, I carefully planted a new batch of zinnia seeds. I placed the pots in a nice sunny spot to ensure they received adequate light. I selected a more appropriate type of soil for them to live in. I checked them daily and stuck to an intentional watering schedule. And they’re still alive! We’re waiting on blooms (I’ll circle back with an update when those pop in!), but so far they are growing strong, beautiful green leaves and a healthy stem.

Look what consistent watering will do!

Be spiritually intentional.

This experience showed me the importance of being an intentional and disciplined steward of not only my garden, but also my spiritual life. Just like seeds need a disciplined gardener to provide consistent care, attention, water, and weeding, our spiritual walk benefits from consistent daily disciplines.

We grow when we spend consistent time in God’s Word, allowing it to refresh and equip us on a daily basis. We grow when we prioritize getting into the house of God weekly to be around other believers and receive good teaching from wise pastors. We grow when we seek God in prayer not just sporadically when we need something but through intentional time set apart to hear His heart and share ours with Him too. We grow when we consistently pursue the ultimate Gardener of our souls, who tends to us with utmost care and loves us unconditionally.

Growth comes from discipline.

Sometimes we don’t feel like watering our gardens. Sometimes we don’t feel like heading outside, turning on the hose, and rolling up our sleeves. Likewise, sometimes we don’t feel like reading our Word, or praying intentionally, or packing up on a Sunday morning and heading to church. But the growth that comes through discipline - in our gardens and in our lives - is so worth it. We are called to consistently water our walk, drawing close to God and yielding to His care. The growth that He provides is so satisfying. We may only see little green leaves at first, but soon, the blooms will appear as we remain consistent.

Let’s keep seeking God. Let’s grow in discipline together by pursuing the Lord consistently and let’s get excited for the growth that only God can bring!

Rooting for you always.

xx Elise

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