Jen’s Gem:  Expect great things from God.

My goal for yesterday was to clean out my garden. When I planted the little seedlings months ago, I was unsure of the outcome since this was my first real attempt at gardening. Yet, as you have seen from my blog posts and social media, I had a bountiful harvest.

On my way to the space, I sent up two prayers: First, that the gate would be open. It’s not that I don’t know how to operate a combination lock, it’s just that it’s difficult to see the tiny numbers and one try never works.

Second, I prayed that there would be someone to help me lug the four bags of soil from my trunk to the garden.  Again, it’s not that I am incapable, but it’s a cumbersome task for one person.

When I pulled into the parking lot, it was full of cars. First prayer answered! Woo hoo! Thank you, Lord!

I gathered up my tools and contemplated whether to bring in the soil first or do the cleanup. I landed on the cleanup. I yanked and pulled until the space was clear. With a pile of debris a mile high, I headed to the waste area.

As I turned, there was a man with a wheelbarrow who asked if I needed it, to which I responded “Yes!” I told him that I needed to get the soil out of my car. (Wait for it…wait for it.)

“Do you need help?” Waaaahhhh Hoooooeeeee!

During the transporting process, I learned his name (Michael – my favorite!), that he is Sicilian (Paisan!), that like me, it is his heart’s desire to visit Italy, and he watches Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy” show each week.

Come on – what are the chances? “Exceedingly abundantly above anything you could ask or think”(Ephesians 3:20).

My remaining time was spent spreading the soil, getting the bed ready for next year. As you can imagine, this was a time of contemplation as I squished the clumps of dirt and employed more than a modicum of self-control when I saw a worm or two emerge!

(“They’re good for the garden, Jen. They’re good for the garden. Don’t fling them away!” I could hear my master gardener friend’s voice in my head.)

I was sad that the gardening season was over. Not only would I miss my free fresh produce, but this time marks the true end of summer, my favorite season. However, in God’s great love for me, He gave me summer-like weather yesterday to enjoy.

I was also hopeful. Perusing the new soil, ready for next year’s planting, I wondered, what is God planting for me? What new season will He bring? Am I ready?

If I want to be all He intends, I need to make sure that the debris (hurts, failures) from my

 past is carted away. I also need to ensure that fresh soil (an open mind and heart) is laid out so that what He does plant will reap a big harvest.

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV)

Most importantly, I need to pray and ask for His help so He can “establish the work of my hands” (Psalm 90:17).

My garden has been put to rest. It served me well and I will take its many lessons as I go forth in my planning for next season.

What are you planning? Whatever it is, do all you can to prepare and then, put it in God’s capable hands to come to pass. Who knows what He will do!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NKJV)

Get ready!