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.

Friendly

Proverbs 18:24 KJV A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Most people would define friendly as being kind or helpful. For the most part, I think we are able to be friendly towards our friends because it's a beneficial relationship, but what about when it's not. What about when it's inconvenient? What about when we are offended or when we disagree? What about when we're tired or had a bad day? Are we still friendly? Are we still kind? Are we still helpful? Let's try to be like the friend that sticks closer than a brother. Let's try to be more like God. Let's try to be friendly.

Unconditional

We put so many conditions on our life. I like you, but... I would try this, but... I don’t have time to, but... But should be removed from our vocabulary. It is an excuse. We use it all the time to justify stunting our own growth. We should learn to exist without conditions. We should learn to live unconditionally. We should learn to love unconditionally. We should learn to be unconditional.

Discover

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Andre Gide

Fear of the unknown immobilizes us. In order to discover the mysteries of ourselves and the world around us, we must venture into the unknown. We have to try new things. We have to travel to new places. We have to experience something new. Discovery exists beyond our comfort zone. Sometimes, we need our hearts to race. We need to push past the fear. We need to discover.

Division

Matthew 18:19 (KJV) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

There is power in numbers. We were never meant to walk this road alone. In fact, God’s word state that when two or more are gathered in his name, what they ask will be granted. Sure, there are other stipulations, but look at the power of agreement. Our friendships have power because of agreement. Our relationships have power because of agreement. We are empowered because of agreement. Yet so many us lack this power because we want to be independent. We want to do it all by ourselves. We let division win.

Overflow

Every time I hear the the word overflow, I think about the prophet Elisha and the widow’s oil. The story is found in 2 Kings Chapter 4. What I love about this story is that the prophet didn’t ask her to go buy anything to make the miraculous happen. He used what she had in her house….that was empty no less. What do you already have? What are you not using? What are you not maximizing? Your miracle lies in what you already possess. What’s in your hand? What is your talent? What are you good at? That’ s where the overflow lies. Overflow is excess. It’s more than enough. Overflow supplies your needs and puts you in position to be a blessing. This is the year God will use what you have, what you have ignored, what you have dismissed to bless you and others. This is the year of the overflow.

Obstacles

Part of being successful is acknowledging the obstacles in your way, and to the best of your abilities planning for them. There will be unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part we know our challenges. It is important to set realistic goals. It is important to evaluate resources. We must always count the cost. Some journeys require you to travel alone. Some roads are long and narrow. No matter what path you take this year, count the cost. Evaluate and acknowledge your obstacles...so you can overcome them.