To paraphrase the vintage Dunkin’ Donuts commercial – “It’s time to plant the garden.” Recently, I cleared out my garden plot. I put off this physically demanding chore because it’s… well…physically demanding.

Yet, the time came when I could no longer procrastinate. If I wanted to reap its bounty this summer, I needed to get sowing!

When I arrived, I was surprised at how relatively clean it was. The mounds of leaves I’d put down in the fall kept the weeds at bay and my trusty new leaf bag made it super easy to haul the debris away. I laid out fresh soil and manure, creating a cozy bed for the seeds I’d be planting.

It was especially quiet in this public space that day, giving me ample time to ponder the process. Gardening is a wonderful activity for reflection, prayer, and just spending time with God. (Hmmm…I wonder if that’s why God put Adam and Eve in a garden. We know He enjoyed spending time with them each day (Genesis 3:8)).

However, despite my procrastination of this chore, the timing was perfect. In the days that followed the cleanout, it rained, creating the perfect conditions for the seeds to germinate.

New seasons. Seems to be the topic du jour. Many people I speak with are facing something new and seeking the best way to navigate towards it. Perhaps it’s children leaving home, job changes, or just a spark of an idea that they feel God is calling them towards.

Whatever it may be, the process resembles the clearing of my garden. Let’s take a deeper look into how we can prepare for the new seasons in our lives.

First, we must clear out any debris we may have. This might include negative thinking or behaviors. The “I can’t do that!” thoughts. I procrastinated the garden cleanout process because it is tiring, yet it wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined.

Reflection: Are we procrastinating doing things that we perceive as challenging only to discover they are easier than we thought?

Second, we must pull up the weeds – those deep-seated beliefs that scream “Who do you think you are to do this?” My wrong thinking kept telling me that I’m getting too old to do this kind of physical labor. Yet even though I needed three Advil afterwards, I was fully capable of completing the project.

Reflection: Are we underestimating our abilities or value due to wrong thinking?

Here’s what I’m learning (and continue to learn) as I look to move forward into God’s plan.

Gardens do not clean out themselves. Weeds will not go away on their own. They will not magically disappear and we can’t wish them away. We also can’t have someone else pull them up for us. We have to put forth some effort if we want a clean start.

What does that look like? Well, it’s different for everyone, however, here are some potential steps that you can take:

1. Identify your weeds. What are the thoughts, attitudes, beliefs that have held you back from being all God has planned for you? Are they even true? (Romans 12:2)
2. Dig up the weeds down to their roots. Simply snipping the tops off ensures they will return (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) and most likely with a fury. We need to dig deep.
3. Lay down new soil. Prepare a space for your dreams to germinate. Spend time in reflection and prayer asking God what steps He wants you to take (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).
4. Plant some seeds. Take a step of faith into where you think God is calling you. Some steps will take root and some won’t. It’s ok. You can always replant (Psalm 27:33).

God’s direction to Adam and Eve in the garden was to “be fruitful and multiply.” This is His will for us too. He wants us to prosper in all things. Yet, He won’t do it all for us. Remember, He gave the garden to Adam and Eve, but it was their job to tend it (Genesis 1:28).

God gives us many things. It’s up to us what we do with them. Yet, I believe if we do the tending and have faith, God will do the multiplying.

And that’s how your gardens will grow.

If you have an idea percolating for a new season and would like to share it, I’d welcome the opportunity to be your sounding board. Click here to contact me for a complimentary 30 minute consultation.

P.S. If you would like to learn more about how good God is at multiplying,  click here to watch or listen to the Elevate The Day podcast “God Knows How To Increase You.”