We were going to put in raised beds so we could grow a few veggies.
Because our family loves gardening, especially vegetables.
The shape and configuration of the back garden is very unique.
It’s similar to a flat topped triangle, beginning on either side of the house and tapering down till the back fence cuts it off straight.
Since the yard doesn’t face directly East, but is angled to the Northeast, and has trees on three sides, the yard has more shade than sun.
Just before he was supposed to purchase the materials for the raised beds, my husband came to chat with me about a change.
He shared what the Lord had put on his heart, and we knew.
It wasn’t God’s will to put in the raised beds.
I’ll admit it.
I was disappointed.
I spoke to the Lord about my disappointment, and He graciously listened.
Trust Me.
I know what’s best.
And I let it go.
I know it probably seems trivial and silly that growing veggies would mean so much to me, but it’s one of the things which I have done to bless my family.
It has always been a joy for all of us.
Although, I couldn’t understand why God wasn’t allowing it, I was willing to move on.
My husband even looked at me, hugged me, and said, “Don’t worry, we will grow flowers.”
Which has been a blessing as well.
We have lovely potted plants and the front yard is so pretty with the bushes already established and the plants my husband added.
Whenever I caught myself yearning for a vegetable garden, I’d ask the Lord to remove the desire, ask for His forgiveness in not resting in His perfect will, and I would thank Him for all His provision and blessings.
This Saturday, Anne and I were pretty much on our own, Jase and my husband were helping a neighbor move.
I mentioned to her the last section of yard which really needed attention before it became so overgrown we couldn’t get to it.
She put in a full day of work and I set timers on my phone in an effort to keep from over doing it.
Late afternoon rolled in and I sat looking at the progress when I realized something.
I’m certain it was the Lord.
One portion of yard near the back fence was in the sun.
It had been that way all day.
I told Anne, “We might be able to grow some tomatoes or something!”
She was thrilled.
When the guys were back, we shared our discovery.
And today, there’s a veggie garden in that same section of yard.
My husband had gone and gotten a load of top soil and plants.
The kids finished cleaning up all the brush, weeds, and branches.
Truly, it is a joy for all of us.
And once again, I’m amazed at God.
He knew what was best.
He allowed me to give up my desire to His perfect will, because He had a far better plan.
It’s just another tiny example that He cares for the details, far more than we realize.
Matthew 10:29 NKJV — “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for caring for the tiniest details. Thank You for showing me that surrender of my own plans and ideas is always best, and sometimes You allow a desire to linger in my heart, because You are still working in it and through it to teach me about myself and about You. Jesus, how I want to obey Your every Word! But I am weak and frail and often I make so many mistakes. Please use those things for Your glory and hone my stubborn heart into Your perfect will. Teach me humility and grace, that I might be loving, gentle, tender, kind, and strong. Not for my own gain, but for the testimony of Your goodness and mercy. Thank You, Jesus. I love You! Amen.
patientlyhopeful 