04-19-2024 "TIME TO START" Stepping back in time to a few weeks ago, every time I talked to my mother, she would ask, “Have you started planting your garden yet?” “No mother.” “Why not?” “A – it is cold up here and there is a lot to do during Lent leading into Easter.” “Oh. Well, we have …” And my mother would proceed to tell me about what they were doing in their garden. I’ll summarize. They are much farther along that I am. Now, here we are, a couple weeks on the other side of Easter. The weather is getting warmer. The nights are not as cold. We are having some really pleasant days. And there has been quite a bit of rain. We can certainly start planting some things. The problem is – A) life is still pretty busy. B) when I am outside for more than about 10 minutes, I start feeling it – allergies. C) I didn’t plant them, but everywhere I look, weeds are taking over. What do I need to do? Suck it up, take some extra allergy medicine to start, take the time, pull the weeds, clean up beds, plant, and take some extra allergy medicine after. Of course, Bonnie will help. She is phenomenal! But she has been waiting out the weather, and the schedule, and her own things. Still, if we don’t soon start, the question will become, “Why bother?” Well, even with a late start, we can enjoy colorful flowers, and some vegetables. I guess it is time. Maybe you are a gardener and can relate. Some, of course, have no underlying issues and can make it a priority and don’t struggle in such ways as I do. They very often have lovely gardens that bear much fruit and produce. Others though, know what it is like to be torn between desires, intentions, and mitigating circumstances. They get what they get. They can be happy with that; while knowing that more is possible. Maybe next summer… Really, the same idea can be applied to a lot of different endeavors. In High School, I joined the Indoor Track Team, and then the Spring Track Team. It was a very popular place to be. I saw firsthand how some absolutely threw themselves into training for their event. They never missed. They took it seriously. They worked hard. Others were much more half-hearted. Predictably, the ones that worked the hardest usually had the greatest success, even when there was someone who had natural talent. Eventually the talent could only carry them so far. I have seen how work and dedication leads to success in music. You can really practice that new instrument, or you can make excuses. I’ve read somewhere, from those who study such things, that with 100 hours of practice in a year (really practicing, working) anyone can become an expert on something. That doesn’t mean that you will be the best there ever was or will be. But, 100 hours of practice in a year and you can become really proficient. It takes work, not excuses. In our spiritual lives, meaning, in our life, are you thinking about what you will do to grow in your faith. Or have you already started doing something about it? Are you in planning mode, work mode; or are you making excuses, or worst of all, given up? Very little that is good will happen if you don’t do something. And while you wait, or stall, “weeds” can grow, complicating what you might want to do. I often write here using growing / gardening imagery because A) Jesus did and B) growing / gardening is an ongoing process much like the spiritual life. (And C) I do like to garden even if I have to take my own lessons to heart.) There is an ancient proverb from some culture I read about. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time, is right now. I think that the same can be said for the spiritual life. The point is, don’t put it off. Our lives will be full of many things, and the “seasons” will change. Still, there is a rich bounty we might harvest – and share – spiritually – if we get started. If we work at it, if we stick with it. What would you like to grow in your life? A deeper faith? Your prayer life? A fuller richer understanding of God, of Jesus, of the Bible? A more faithful, consistent walk with Jesus? More confidence in sharing your faith? You don’t have to pick just one. You do need to begin – planting seeds and working at it. And as a little incentive, often you don’t have to wait for months, often rewards will begin almost right away if you have eyes to see. Time to start? Yes! Grace, Mercy, and Peace, Pastor Blaine |