Rolling plains of durum wheat, grown especially for my favorite pasta dish. Or perhaps a field of sweet organic corn stretching as far as the eye can see? My wife loves corn. In another life I would have enjoyed a farmstead or a ranch, I think. I’m rather perplexed because I shouldn’t be enjoying this drudgery so much. I’m a veteran, a former aerospace engineer, an aircraft production manager, a computer programmer, commercially rated pilot, an electronics repairman, and to some, a mere techno geek. But no matter the role, dirt, bugs, worms, splinters, and manure was not my thing. But now, with a touch of pride, I call my newest challenge, “The Farm.” The wife giggles when I call it that. She calls it a garden, but in my mind, it’s far more illustrious than that. While she sees a few raised garden beds and five-gallon buckets, I see a magnificent field of delicious and organic crops ready for harvest. Our field of dreams, containing acres and acres of boundless potential.
Standing on our patio, I behold the results of a season of sweat and tears. Our God-given bounty is more than double that of last year. Cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, peppers, radishes, and potatoes will populate our kitchen table in a glorious abundance. By themselves alone, we’ve counted well over a thousand tomatoes; much more than we could ever eat. And even though we have given away most of our produce this year, I plan on doubling the size of our Farm for the next. It’s a joy to provide a tasty and organic array of nourishments for our local community and friends. The addition of garlic and onions for next year’s crop sounds about right.
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35
Just as in life, past lessons, once learned, can make a huge difference in our future potential. I’m already looking forward to next year’s results. But there are a few more mistakes to resolve. More peat for the soil will produce a higher quality of potatoes, and better pollination is the key to an even greater yield of squash. As I assemble my thoughts, along with two more raised beds and irrigation lines, I ponder the new knowledge I’ve acquired, and its application towards our future.
To my mind, gardening is like our ministry. There is something special about nurturing the growth of new life. Seeding and fertilizing the soil to maintain the health of the saplings is a labor of love.
“But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” Mark 4:8.
Supplying fresh water and warmth is crucial. Each blossom is an indication of how well the care-giver has done his job. But just as in life, pestilence and dangers are everywhere, trying to consume God’s produce and ruin the work of the minister. Hornworms and fruit flies swarm our vibrant crop. One easily manageable pest is our neighborhood bunny. We like her tenacity, so she can stay, I think. She has cuddly potential.
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.’” Matthew 13:24–25.
Sunlight is also quite important. Some need more Light than others, but all need Light to foster their growth. This Light supplies the energy of life. Without it, they will atrophy and eventually die.
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12.
Like a ministry, we plant, we nurture, we try to ward away the infestations, and remove the tares. Then we admire the growth and the fruits that results. And when the season has passed, we watch with glee as that fruit goes forth to nourish others, while their seeds provide growth for the future of the world.
I’ve been taught patience and love by this leisurely pursuit, and by the ministry at which we abide. The fruits produced are like the many flavors of life. Some bitter, some sweet. Different personalities appealing to a slightly different consumer. But all very nutritious. Our fruit taste different than that of the secular world. Richer, more fragrant, the byproduct of love as they ripen on the vine. Deep reds, greens, yellows, and a touch of blue. God’s love is on display. He cherishes the sweet variety.
I look forward to the day when we can all garden forever at peace while cultivating our fields of dreams.
“… They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4.
