Kitty-sitting

I'm a cat lover! Not afraid to admit it. Cats are wonderful animals.... affectionate and loyal.... but don't require the constant attention dogs do. At least in my humble opinion ;-)

This week I'm kitty-sitting for my neighbors. Mallory and Cinnamon are sister kitties, and a recent addition to my neighbor's home. Their two long-loved cats died last fall, and they decided to adopt these sisters. I enjoyed getting to know them, if only for a few minutes each day.

From Seeds to Weeds

Maybe it's just me, but it seems my garden provides one spiritual lesson after another.

Once we were well past the Ohio frost date, I began tilling and planting. It seems I can't manage to get everything done on the weekend, or the weather doesn't cooperate, so I took a day off to plant. My first job was to rototill.

Have you ever used a rototiller ? It's designed so that, when you engage the lever, it's driven forward. The hard work is in holding it back so it can fully do its job. My borrowed rototiller is a pretty good size, so holding it in place takes a bit of muscle.

Well.....

I must have the hardiest weeds in Ohio!

This ground was planted last year, so there is only one season of growth, basically just the weeds that came up last fall. Yet, as I tilled, some of those weeds wouldn't come up!! I'd have to hold that tiller in one spot and let it grind and grind. And yet, I'd look back and see that same nasty weed pop back up again!!

Weeds. No wonder the Lord uses them as an analogy for sin. The roots go so deep..... and..... they keep coming back to squeeze out the good crops. I've found it's so much easier if they can be snatched up while they're small, before they take root and stake their claim to that spot of land.

This lesson also makes evident the real value of fruit (or vegetables in my case). Bearing fruit is not easy; it takes commitment and hard work.

I keep wondering if I have what it takes to keep up with the hard work of gardening. I love it!! But it sure ain't easy!

New Life!

I've decided that I love, love, love SPRING! It’s such a wonderful season of new life. I never really appreciated it until I had a home of my own, and could watch things come to life.
I especially love the perennials which bloom each year without fail. Tucked under mounds of snow and out of sight for months, and yet when spring arrives.... new life!

This week my Eternal Iris bloomed. My sister-in-law gave one to each member of our family five years ago when my grandma died. Each year when it blooms, I'm reminded of the very special bond I shared with one of the most important people in my life. Although she's gone now, this lovely flower reminds me each spring of a very special lady.

Miss you, Gram!

Further on Seeds

Ok..... I'm gonna get a bit theological this morning. Maybe appropriate for a Sunday. I haven't quite got my brain around this, but the principle is remarkable.

The first mention of seeds in scripture is right at the beginning, Genesis 1:11:

"..the fruit tree yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself..."

The idea is that the seed needed to reproduce the same plant is found inside itself.

Yet the root word for seed in Hebrew is "zera," which means to sow, to scatter, to disseminate. So....the only way for the plant to be reproduced is for the seed to be scattered, disseminated to good soil, where the new plant can take root and grow.

The seed is within.... yet must be cast out and scattered to fulfill its purpose.

How appropriate then are Jesus' words in Luke 8:11? "The seed is the Word of God." God plants his word within us, so that we can disseminate it and bear fruit, reproducing the life of Christ in others.

Hmmm..... I wonder what this means for me. Maybe that I need be always aware that God plants his word in me for a reason. It's not just for me. Rather, it's so that I will be the Lord's soil, if you will. Created to bear fruit.

SEEDS

I planted tomatoes and radishes in peat pots this spring, to get an early start on my vegetable garden. What has impacted me through this process is the incredible dynamic of the seed. Of course, I've known since I was a child the truth of planting: put the seed in the ground, cover it with soil, water it, and it will grow. But to watch it up close and personal is amazing!

I took tiny seeds, each the size of the head of a pin, and dropped them in these small peat pots. And.... just as the seed packet said.... within a few days up popped seedlings!

As God's perfect timing would have it, Pastor preached this past Sunday on seeds. And, I began to realize just how much scripture has to say about this. In the familiar passage from Luke, Jesus uses the analogy of the seed to make a point about faith. We can accomplish powerful things for the kingdom of God if we have faith as small as a mustard seed.

Think about it. A tiny seed planted in good soil, watered regularly, can grow into a plant that produces fruit and feeds my family, or a tree that is large enough to house a nest of birds. My beautiful 200-year old maple tree began as a seed. Absolutely incredible!!

It's a Jeep Thing

My Explorer was in the shop this week, so I borrowed a Jeep Wrangler from a friend. Ted, a former co-worker, has taken a two-year assignment in Kenya and left his Jeep for my son to sell. Perfect timing with the needed repairs to my truck. With Ted's permission, I anxiously hopped behind the wheel of his Jeep.

Truth is I've really been chomping at the bit to drive a Jeep. I love driving a stick, and this 6-speed made my mouth water. Somehow, a Jeep is the ultimate carefree, exciting vehicle.... like at any moment you can jump off-road and head for the hills. Or take the top off and cruise without a care in the world!

It really was great fun to take to the road in the Jeep. It somehow has its own attitude. From the sharp look, to its ability to transform itself, to the tight transmission, to the "Jeep wave," owners know "It's a Jeep thing." Kinda enjoyed being a part of this exclusive club. And the ride itself was an adventure!

But, four days later, I realize I'm not as carefree as I had hoped. Missed my power windows. I can't remember the last time I had to crank the window down. And, what about climbing up into a Jeep Wrangler? Not the most graceful thing in 4-inch heels. And with a cold Ohio breeze whipping my face, what about remote entry? What... I have to dig for a key??!

So, the sporty Jeep is now parked in the drive, and a "For Sale" sign is soon to be posted. I'm content to have my trusty Explorer back, comfy pillow tucked behind my back. (Oh.... and no car payment!)

"Pepper"

About a month ago a sweet little tuxedo kitten peered into my porch window, and tugged at my heartstrings. Lots of cats hang near the house, but this one's boldness surprised me. He hopped right up on the porch chair and made his presence known, meowing until he got my attention.

Hesitantly, I softened to the little guy. First, I offered a bowl of catfood. Then, a pat on his head. Soon, I looked forward to his presence first thing in the morning. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a sweet natured kitty. It capped off my day to set him in my lap and listen to him purr.

Well today, the first view out of that same porch window was that little darling laying on the side of the road. He hadn't yet learned the danger of the street. Poor thing. So we scooped him up and buried him in the back field. As the dirt covered his sweet little face, I was overcome by how quickly he had won my heart.

It really is a very special privilege to love God's creatures. The Lord must know how our hearts long for companionship. Even though this little one was only with us a few short weeks, I hope he felt loved. I'm reminded in my sadness what I already know: It's a risk to love, but it's worth it. Rest in peace, sweet little one.