“If there is no gardener, there is no garden.” Stephen Covey attributes this saying to Wolfgang von Goethe. I have noticed it is true. One can set aside a plot of land. But if no one works that land it will not be a garden.
God is a gardener. Genesis tells us that life began in a garden. God had planted a garden with trees. Among the beautiful trees was a tree of knowledge of good and evil and a tree of life. Out of the garden flowed a river with four branches watering a large portion of the earth. But someone needed to care for the garden. God created humankind to care for the garden. God not only gave Adam life, but he also gave him a purpose.
I know many people want to know where the Garden of Eden was and is. But I wondered, “Where is your garden?” Experts in longevity are offering many suggestions these days about what to do and what to eat if you want to live a longer life. One of the experts said, “If you want to live a longer life, plant a garden, and take care of it.” The person added that even if no vegetables or fruits ever make it to our tables, the work of gardening will extend our lives.
When I look out my back window, I see the Buffalo Bayou meandering through Hershey Park, lined by large trees. When I see the stream and the trees, I feel at home. God not only created us, but he gave us a purpose. The Baptist World Alliance is encouraging Christians across the world to become chaplains in our own neighborhoods. I am trying to do this with the people in the park. Some are atheists. Others serve the Lord with deep delight. To be clear, I am interested in planting Oaks of Righteousness to display God’s splendor. When the tallest tree falls, people will continue to live somewhere. I want them to live with God. Pray with me that the seeds we plant and nurture today will come to life in the people we meet.
Take care of the garden God has given you. Why? If there is no garden, there is no gardener. Care well for those God entrusts to you. Our lives depend on it!
