Wednesday, February 26th – Hosea 10:12 (ESV)

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;

    reap steadfast love;

    break up your fallow ground,

for it is the time to seek the Lord,

    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”

As I sat pondering this verse, I was reminded of my mother-in-law, Beverly. When she lived in Portland, she dreamed of a huge garden on the side of their house. It had been lawn for many years, but she had a vision of the space filled with flowers, tomatoes and other veggies. She was so excited about everything she would plant. Finally, the day came when my father-in-law, Bruce, gave her the go ahead – she could have her garden! Beverly had been working in the local community garden, she had taken classes to learn about different techniques for planting and she talked with many individuals about her plans. The preparations ensued. The garden was to be right off the driveway. My father-in-law built a planter box around a row of hedges to clean up the edge of the driveway. A drystone patio was laid, and a crew arrived to remove the sod, rototill the clay soil and mix-in the freshly arrived topsoil. Finally, when all the preparations were finished, planting could begin. I don’t remember the name of the technique she was following, but it involved raised hills for

each plant: veggies, fruits and flowers all planted together. Nothing was in rows – it was just a massive, joyful cacophony of colors, scents and textures. It was beautiful and she loved every inch of it. The garden brought joy to everyone who saw it – neighbors, friends and family alike. As we move forward with the Capital Campaign, let us do so in the joyful anticipation of a hardworking gardener. Sowing righteousness as we follow hard after Jesus. Reaping his steadfast love as we draw closer to Him; letting his love break-up the tough, stuck places in our hearts so that the Holy Spirit can plant even more seeds of righteousness and joy.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank-you that you have invited us into this amazing opportunity to sow seeds of righteousness that can grow and flourish for years to come. Help us move in obedience to your call, trusting you with a child-like faith, joyfully anticipating the rich crop of blessings to come. 

Amen