When we lived in Spokane, Hayden and Dillon we always had large yards and it was my job to do the mowing. Not a riding lawnmower mind you but a gas push mower. I said on more than one occasion that I didn’t need a gym membership because I had at least 3/4 of acre of yard.
And even earlier than that – when we lived in Buckeye and I lspent most of my day on a swather cutting hay or on a baler I realized that time was my own – it was my place to be with my thoughts.
In that time – mowing, I did fill my thoughts with conversation with the Father. Sometimes those were thoughts of complaint and others were prayerful thoughts of love and adoration. And now, the time I spend in the yard taking care of my flowers and providing for the hummingbirds is a source of strength as I listen for the Father’s voice.
Remember the old hymn, I Come to the Garden? Well I find that while I’m there it’s a perfect time to walk and talk with the Father!
I used to deal with feelings of unworthiness and insecurity. I couldn’t be good enough for the Lord to truly love me and I wasn’t talented enough for Him to want to use me. But these times spent with the beauty He created gave me a real connection with His great love.
I used to ask the same question as the Psalms “what is man that thou are mindful of him”.
Yes Father, who am I that you are mindful of me? Why do you think about me? What do you think about me?
You created man for fellowship. You wanted someone to hang with – someone to walk and talk with – someone to share your heart with and so you created man. WOW!
You became our Father and you really like doing stuff with us! Thank you! O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name – how majestic it is to hang with you today!
“Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth! It brings you praise everywhere in heaven.
2 From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you. They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.
3 I look at the heavens you made with your hands. I see the moon and the stars you created.
4 And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you? Why do you even think about them? Why do you care so much about humans? Why do you even notice them?”
5 But you made them almost like gods and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You put them in charge of everything you made. You put everything under their control.
7 People rule over the sheep and cattle and all the wild animals.
8 They rule over the birds in the sky and the fish that swim in the sea.
9 Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!” Psalm 8 ERV
I encourage you today to find your quiet place – your garden and go alone so He can walk and talk with you and tell you of His great love!