A little over a week ago I was at the beach soaking up the sun, relaxing and savoring the time with family. As part of the week, the adults decided to visit the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island, NC and the experience was stunning. Each pathway revealed trees reaching toward the sky, elaborate greenery and a pop of color marked by flowers along the way. The Albemare Sound bordered the gardens and the journey felt like a step into the past. Everything was teeming with life, the colors were vibrant and a feeling of being fully alive marked the excursion.
I could visibly feel the life and the energy radiating from each branch, each leaf and flower throughout the garden. Life that was being lived – life that was not standing still – life that told a story. The flowers drew you in to smell their sweetness, the branches of the trees reached down to embrace and the shades of green were all competing trying to outdo the other.
Look through the gate – now there’s life!
As I reflected on my visit to the gardens, I knew instinctively that I wanted my life to be as animated as this garden. I want my life to be a life of motion – a life of being fully alive – a life that has a story to be shared. God’s creation is found in this garden and He makes all things good.
God’s love cultivates the garden of our own lives and He enjoys each of us as His work in progress. The only hitch to a life that is in full bloom is complete surrender to God. The outstretched branches of the trees vying for each ray of the sun symbolizes how we can open our arms wide to all that God has promised us. One simple “yes” will get us into the garden – God’s garden. A life in full bloom – fully alive – is a life following God and His will for our lives. God’s garden is good and I want to go through the gates and enter the garden of my life.
Will you say “yes”, walk through the gate and join God in the garden today?
These words – just these – say it all! Let them wash over you and fill you with promise and hope!
In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. James 1:21 -MSG
Blessings,
Mary
I am still counting to remind myself that I am truly blessed. Linking up this year with Ann Voskamp’s 2014 Joy Dare. Find the link up at A Holy Experience. Counting blessings daily will bless you immeasurably! JoyDare #555 and still counting…
Blessed each day by the ordinary that God makes extraordinary. I’m thanking Him to honor the goodness that He sends my way.
Follow me on Twitter to count your own daily blessings and to join in the conversation! @MaryGeisen #JoyDare #1000gifts
Blessed to be linking with:
Beautiful photos and such lovely encouragement to all of us to say Yes! Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
Thanks, Holly! There is something so calming about visiting a garden especially when you feel the footsteps of Jesus beside you. Blessed by your friendship!
This makes me think of the day I spent at an arboretum for the 4th of July. I could not put words to why that day filled me in a way I desperatly needed. But I think you just did. Loved this so much, Mary. Thank you for sharing with Three Word Wednesday. Blessings.
Blessed you stopped by! There is something so renewing when visiting a garden or park or somewhere that so brilliantly displays God’s creations. I love meeting God in nature. Filling our souls is just as important to filling our hearts and minds. Love that I have found a new home at your place. Blessings!
You seem to have such a positive attitude about life, Mary! And I think you are perfectly exemplifying these words you’ve so eloquently written–even though I only know you from the blogosphere. This energy and surrendered motion is evident in all that you write about. And I have to say, your words inspire me as well, my friend. I love the idea of “walking through the gate and joining God in the garden.” I’ll be imagining this scenario today as I meet with Him. Hugs to you!
Thanks, Beth! God is using this time of my life to teach me so much! Of course preparation and teaching mean that so much more is to come. Blessed by your sweet presence and gentle encouragement. Hugs my friend!
You mentioned how alive the garden seemed – and it made me think that when we look at nature as God in it – it does become more alive. I cannot look at trees swaying in a breeze without thinking of them lifting limbs praising God:) What a lovely time you had!
Blessed you stopped by to visit! Your words affirmed God’s presence in nature and how all things glorify Him. Blessings, my friend!
That’s how I feel in my backyard watching the birds.
God is amazing and seeing the beauty firsthand is a stunning reminder of how much He loves us! Thanks for stopping by!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, Mary! And yes, yes to the beauty of motion, life, love, and joy. You’ve interwoven these fragrances through your words. I breathe deep …
Thank you so much! May we all breathe deep the beauty that God paints our world with each and everyday. Blessings, friend!