I planted a garden on a beautiful Spring day in April, the day of my sister’s funeral. I had not planned to plant a garden that day, just like I had not planned to say goodbye to my sister Patty so soon. Nonetheless, I spent a good part of the day turning and fertilizing the soil in raised planter boxes, then carefully created the rows to plant the seeds, lightly covering and tamping the dirt. Finally, using a watering can I gently soaked the soil, careful not to disturb the seeds.
Three weeks later, as I faithfully watered my garden, I received word of the sudden death of my beloved brother Mikey. This season of Spring which always represented to me new life, growth and hope brought me loss, despair and time in slow motion.
Through my pain, I prayed and kept vigil tending to my garden and watching the tiny seedlings turn into adult plants filled with blossoms. Soon the blossoms became baby produce clinging tightly to the vine and I continued to nurture them, filled with wonder as each plant flourished.
Yesterday, I was so pleased with the results of my labor I decided to take pictures. I sent one via text message to a friend of mine, acknowledging the bountiful harvest from God.
She wrote back, “Abundant fruits are given to those who believe even when you don’t see.” The gift of that simple text was enormous, reminding me that we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7 (NKJV) 6 So we are
always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent
from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Faith is believing without seeing. The fruit of faith is the only proof we need. When
I planted the garden, I did so with unquestioning faith that it would grow. When my brother and sister passed way, despite my loss of their
physical presence on earth, I know by faith that their spirits are soaring to new heights with our Father.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Most times we don’t understand why things happen in our lives, especially tragic events. Sometimes life just kicks us in the stomach, but through it all God walks with us, comforting and guiding us to a better place. It may take time, but through our faith we will get there.
When we take our hands off the controls and turn our lives over to Him, walking in faith, he can do amazing things in our lives. Never lose hope, believe with all your heart and watch as the beauty of God’s grace unfolds before your eyes.
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. Saint Augustine.
“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light” Helen Keller
Have a blessed day as you walk in faith with our Father.
