Just Three Weeks Later

Three weeks of soaking up the rays of the sun and the nutrients from the soil and the rain. The seeds were planted in mid-May, and then this happened (photo above). Click here to see a photo of this same garden spot taken just three weeks ago. It has been amazing to watch the growth. I almost cannot believe my eyes ... just three weeks later, and you can see all the beauty in the photo above.

The growth has been steady. Day by day. It happened quietly; no noise and no fanfare. Just the various seeds and plant starts faithfully doing what they were created to do. Taking in the sun's rays, and soaking up the rain. 

The transformation takes place so slowly, so quietly; we are taken by surprise. The growth, hidden at first under the soil, then visible. Each morning we wake up to more growth. Slowly, but surely. The beauty captivates us; it feeds our souls. How do we even comprehend, how do we even explain the beauty of God's creation?

And I am reminded, and I am challenged. If you, and if I, faithfully pause our busyness to soak up the Word, and to open our eyes and our hearts up to His love and grace - daily, moment-by-moment throughout our days - what could happen? How would we be changed in even just three short weeks? If every day, every evening, and throughout the day ... we would pause, be still, and let Truth soak in deep to our hearts and our minds. If we open our eyes and our hearts through our days, in the midst of our days - watching, looking for all the ways that He loves us. 

It's a paradox; I cannot explain. To be still, is to grow. The seeds are silent, still. In position to receive. And then they grow. 

Be still, 

and know that I am God.

(Psalm 46:10 ESV)

And I desire the same. To be still is to receive. To faithfully pause, to soak up His Love and His Grace. The soaking up, the receiving, is what brings growth. To still our souls is to open the door to receive. To be what we were created to be. To grow into something beautiful. By His power alone. Becoming beautiful and fruitful. For Him.

"Growth is a natural result of being with God

and deeply connected to Him."

(Sarah Beth Marr)

For He satisfies the longing soul,

and the hungry soul,

He fills with good things.

(Psalm 107:9 NLT)