Over the past few summers, I have had a garden plot at a local farm. It’s been a source of joy, abundant produce, and yes, a few aches and pains. Yet it was worth it as the flavors of the vegetables eclipsed any store-bought produce. (Click here to listen to this message.)

If you follow me on social media, you likely saw a ridiculous amount of posts every time I visited. Pictures of ripe tomatoes and luscious cucumbers filled my feeds. This year, there has been a quietness about my garden adventures, mostly because there has been a lack of activity. 

Earlier in the season, challenges with my vision made driving to and from difficult, even scary. However, if I’m being truthful, this was not the root cause for my garden ghosting.

Here’s the real deal: I simply lost my motivation and passion for the garden. It became another task on my every growing To-Do list, and I just couldn’t muster up the energy to take proper care of it. 

My heart just wasn’t in it. I was primarily working the space so I wouldn’t get “dinged” by the garden’s overseer. Neglected gardens get called on the carpet and can lead to forfeiture of your plot. 

Obligation. Rules. Regulations. Fear. Loss. Yikes! Who would want to operate from this negative and stressful place? 

Yet, I wonder how many people are actually living this way? Doing things they don’t want to do because they overcommitted themselves. Or, are afraid of letting someone down. Perhaps they are seeking approval and love, so they say “yes” to everything. 

The result of living life this way? Stress. Burnout. Isolation. Loneliness. Again…yikes! Who wants to live this way? Jesus did not die for us to live a life of stress. He died so we would have a full and enjoyable life (John 10:10). He does not want us running around with our hair on fire 24/7. 

Let’s look at what He had to say about this very thing:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)

Jesus is telling us to slow down. Hand Him our burdens and cares. Watch how He lives and handles life and then do the same. 

If you study His life, you’ll quickly see that He was never running around with a day planner in His hand, checking off tasks. He did not have His phone dinging with reminders of what He had to do each day.

What did He do?

He put time with His Father at the top of His to do list. It was His number one priority. Then, He simply did what He saw His Father doing. He said what He heard His Father saying (John 5:19-20). This is the model He gave us to follow. Put God first and everything else will work out (Matthew 6:33).

This week, I’d like to encourage you to examine your to-do list to see if some trimming is in order. Look at the motivation behind each activity. Is it being done out of an obligation or false sense of responsibility? Or because you love to do it? Does it bring you joy or cause more stress? 

Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment about each of your tasks. Let Him help you prune. Then watch as He multiplies your harvest.