“Meet me in the garden”, said the Voice.
Anticipation filled the air while lack of motivation seemed to overtake any forward progress. Time passed and little movement occurred toward getting ready.
The Voice again whispered, “I am in the garden. Where are you”?
Comfort and rest lay on the couch as well as my body, but the Voice would not stop beckoning.
The sun sat high in the sky by the time I finally got into my car to drive to the garden. I double checked to make sure I had my water bottle, sunscreen, ear buds, phone and towel.
As I pulled through the entrance, I visibly sighed. The Voice caught the sigh and these words floated back, “I am so glad you are here.”
This past week has been challenging. I let so many things turn me away from the Voice and caught lie after lie like my life depended on it. God did not give up on me. Over and over He called to me and beckoned me to pull close. God wanted nothing more than to embrace me in His grace, love and peace. I wanted that too, but didn’t realize how much until I chose to walk in the garden with Him.
I have a favorite spot where I walk and it never fails that time there becomes a sweet respite with God. He never hurries me and remains patient as I work out whatever is keeping me from Him. The biggest hurdle is getting myself out the door. Once I am there, I find God was waiting for me just as I imagined. He never doubted I would show up even when I let life drag me in the wrong direction.
God desires time with us and when we choose to spend our day with Him, we discover:
Time to savor sweet grace.
Rest in His truth.
Comfort in the familiarity of the surroundings and our relationship with God.
Gentle soul rhythms of love and peace.
A deep exhale of the lies we were holding onto as God’s truth fills the empty space.
[Tweet “Give yourself time to enter into sacred communion with the One who knows you best.”]
When I chose to visit God in the garden, I chose truth over the ugliness that tried to pull me away. I allowed myself to enter into sacred communion with the One who knows me best. He cherishes me-the good, bad and the ugly. When I try to rewrite His plan, He gently takes the pen in His Hand and shows me how much better His story for me is. God pulls me into the light of His provision and love and never lets go.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:21
As we begin a new week, we have the choice to choose God each day. We can let the lies fill our minds or we can hold onto the hope of the One who is Truth. I am praying for each of you as you begin and end your week with God. May He show you beauty in the garden or in your favorite meeting place. Allow His gentle soul rhythms to become your own.
Sabbath Blessings,
Mary, this is a beautiful post with beautiful photos. I felt more peaceful as I read it. I’m a gardener, and I wrote about meeting God in the garden this spring. Blessings to you! You have a lovely blog.
Thank you Sarah! I am blessed God brought you peace as read these words. There is something very sweet about meeting God in the garden. I pray your time with Him brought you new perspective as well as a sense of it feeling “right” as you spent time with Him. I’m blessed you stopped by.
Thank you for these beautiful words today! God has been calling me to sit with Him in the garden each morning also. When I take those moments and just pause to listen, He speaks the most beautiful words of Grace over my day. Thanks for the reminder to listen when He calls!
You are welcome! I love knowing that God is calling you to spend time with Him. It is a beautiful way to start the day, isn’t it? I pray you have many “garden” moments this week.
Very glad that you listened and spent time in the garden with God! Not only happy for you to find that renewal, but also happy for the refreshment I feel after reading your words. Moving out of our spaces to new places God draws us to to refresh, and renew, and hear HIm are part of His gracious and merciful ways, I see. May you continue to have a week where His voice draws you to the peace of Him.
What a sweet offering of encouragement. I am holding onto these words and the peace of Jesus as I begin a new week. You are a treasure and a beautiful part of my online community. Thank you friend!
The perfect message for this Sabbath day, my friend. In the Garden was my Nana’s favorite hymn, and is one of mine as well. As I read your beautiful offering the image of walking with Him in the garden never left me. Blessings on your week, Mary!
I am not familiar with that hymn but will have to look it up. I pray you find many “garden” moments this week.
So much yes! I’ve been trying to find moments of peace and calm in the midst of my own transition and uncertainty. There is something so incredibly holy about being with God in God’s creation. I’ve found a new favorite place to walk this week. Love you sweet friend abd praying for you too!
I imagine this time of in between is a little like a roller coaster somedays. But finding a special place to walk and spend time with God is always a good thing. Prayers for you as you maneuver this time.
I really needed this today. Four weeks of not so ordinary days has left my well dry. I kniw what to do so I must “go to the garden.”
Four weeks is a long time to be dealing with extraordinary. I will be praying for you as you find your rest and ordinary in God.
Mary,
What a lovely post to start the day today. It makes me think…how many times a day does God beckon me to “Come” and I choose to go on about my way. Thank you for the reminder to listen to God’s welcoming voice…inviting me to draw close to Him. Also, I love your photography and how you see the goodness of God in all the things He shows you along the Garden path. When we stop and take notice of His Creation, it, too, speaks to us of His love.
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
I wonder what your answer is to how many times God calls to you throughout the day. I know for me it is so many more than I would care to admit. Thank you for noticing my photos. It is one of my favorite things to do when I am out walking. I pray you are healing and recovering well.
“The biggest obstacle is getting myself out the door.”
Amen.
That first step in the right direction happens on feet of lead.
And then, we’re so glad we did it.
Why do we wait?
It’s hard to put those words out there for everyone to read. Sometimes taking that first step can be the hardest thing we do. I am sure you understand with all of your own life experience. I pray you have a calmer week after the wedding festivities.