Gardens in the Desert

Sometimes I feel like God has tasked me with planting gardens in the desert. The ground is hard, the climate harsh, and my efforts seem to produce very little. I look out at the desolate landscapes I’ve worked for years and I feel discouraged.

Some time ago, the oft parched New Mexico from which I hail experienced unusually massive rains. In the aftermath of all this moisture the desert burst into life.  Plants I never knew existed there sprung up seemingly overnight, spreading their blossoms to the sun. The Organ Mountains, jagged toothed, brown peaks that overlook my college town, turned green and vibrant. Hillsides that I only knew to wear brown were suddenly swathed in colors of life.

I’m reminded that even in life’s barren deserts life is waiting. And when the conditions are right all those long forgotten seeds will awaken and gardens will grow where there was only dust.  Where there are seeds there is always the hope of life – whether sown on land or in hearts. They await, perhaps, the Lord of earth and skies and hearts and seeds to send His quickening rain.

So, if like me, you at times feel the ground you’ve been given to work is barren – remember the lesson of the desert. And be faithful.

“Do not grow weary in doing good,

for in due season you will reap a harvest

if you don’t give up.”