Garden

“Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get”.- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Despite my allergies, I loved helping my grandfather in his garden. He had such patience to dig, plant, and water. I wanted to see the results of our efforts- immediately, but that’s not how his garden worked. I wanted to eat the fruits of our labor, and I did- just not at that moment. Patience. I enjoyed all the fresh vegetables he planted each season. It took time. I loved watching them grow. I’m sure that’s how God looks at us. He watches us grow. He waters us. He prunes us and picks us. He cultivates our talents and gifts as we grow. We bloom in our own time. We are all a part of God’s garden.

Chemistry

Chemistry is often overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying attraction isn’t important, but its not what makes a relationship last. I used to think that I needed that spark to connect with someone. Over time, I’ve learned to value common beliefs and mutual respect. I value partnership. I value someone who can encourage me when I’m down. I value someone who can grow together with me. Chemistry is definitely a factor, but its not a deciding one.

Love Covers

1 Peter 4:8-And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

This was yesterday's daily scripture. I started to think about divorce rates and came to the conclusion that we have been conditioned to quit. We don’t forgive. We don't give second chances. We quit. We get mad. We feel wronged, and we quit. Our love is circumstantial instead of unconditional. Our love is conditional. Our marriages are not based on devotion, but mutual convenience. We don't let love cover. We don’t love. We “like” strongly. Maybe we need to revisit the book of Peter to get a better understanding of the power of love. Real love covers.

As/Is

In the last few years, I've become quite the bargain shopper. My husband and I have really gotten into "diy" projects. A lot of the items we purchase are "as/is," which basically means we agree to purchase the item regardless of its condition when it is sold. Interesting enough, there are a lot of people who have taken an interest in "diy," refurbishing, and restoration projects.

It's funny how people are willing to accept items they purchased in "as/is" condition, but not people. The truth is all of us are "as/is." There is no guarantee that we will grow and mature. People change when they choose to change. People change when they are willing to do the work. Accept people for who they  are, without any expectations.Celebrate them when they choose to grow. Learn to love people in their current condition, "as/is."

Work

It's funny how people don't really understand that anything worth having requires work. Success takes work. Friendships require work to maintain. Relationships require a lot of work. Marriage, degrees, anything that comes with a title takes work. Blood, sweat, and tears type work. "I put my all in" type work. "I gave it everything I have" type work. "I wake up early and go to bed late" type work. I just don't get it. I do get it, actually. Things you don't work for, you don't value. They are disposable. So, people and relationships become disposable when you don't work for it. Things of little value can be discarded without second thought. What do you value? Who do you value? The answer to both questions is what or whom did you work for?

Allegiance

We live in a country where allegiances are undefined and unclear. We have presidential ties to Russia. We are uncertain of our future and that is disconcerting. We have allegiances to people, places, and things that are of no benefit to us. What are you committed to? Where do your allegiances lie? Are your allegiances beneficial? 

Consistency

Everyone needs consistency. We need consistency of finance. We need consistency in relationships. We need consistency in friendships. We need to know that people are going to be around. We need to know that they mean what they say. We need to know what to expect to some degree. Consistency is just one way to build trust in relationships. Are you consistent?