The Hibiscus takes centre stage in this photo, recently treated to an application of chook and sheep manure with a sprinkle of blood and bone for good measure, it seems to be positively thriving.
But look a little closer and you might see a Lemon tree, Rosemary, Mint and even a melon plant coming along. The Lemon struggled for its first few years, but applying the principle of patient gardening we find in Luke 13: 6-9, I applied citrus fertilizer and waited. Someone had the bright idea of peeing on it, so I've been doing that in the dead of night for some time too. Round about that time it decided to wake up and start producing...
Gardening takes tending and waiting, and a degree of experimentation, especially for amateurs like me. I'm quite happy with the soil condition in this little patch of paradise, having turned it over and composted it for more than eight years now.
Our spiritual life takes tending and waiting, there's no quick fix. In these days of less certainty in church life and mission, some experimentation is also required.
We can be confident in this garden of faith, for the Holy Spirit gives life, and God is the Gardener. Shalom
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