Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Garden (09/07/06)
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TITLE: I Danced In The Rain | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Craig
09/11/06 -
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Night, only a respite, disappeared too soon.
Waking early with birds singing and breezes lifting curtains in gentle sweeps, I stirred to delicious scents wafting in from my garden. For a moment I forgot, “almost forgot” the despondencies I’d succumbed to. Tranquil essences floating through open windows contrasted sharply to the interiors of my heart, where anxious murmurings of discontent staked their claim.
Though I longed to turn over, ignoring the hope whispering with each breath of dawn, I couldn’t. Compelled, I arose and with coffee in hand strolled among my garden paths like so many other days. Only it wasn’t to be like all other days. No, for on this day I heard my Father’s voice rustling softly as each petal was caressed by gentle zephyrs.
Hiding away in a peaceful niche, I gave way to the Father’s tender voice as it brushed over my heart. Sinking deep into songs of morning, my spirit tuned in to His encouraging words.
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My child, as the farmer waits for rain with patience so must you wait for Me. The many years you have spent in preparation were necessary to the outcome I have planned.
It is like the farmer who takes a completely wooded area, overgrown and uncared for, and transforms it step by step into a rich and profitable piece of farmland—a beautiful garden. He understands the necessary steps and doesn’t require his land to produce before it is ready. Land forced into production before its time results in immature, disease-prone fruit. Therefore, the farmer gardens with patience, content to pursue the vision while valuing the process.
The process is as important as the outcome, teaching him perseverance and understanding. Once the wooded area is turned into farmland, there will still be many days ahead requiring those lessons learned in the beginning. Standing on his porch with face to the horizon, waiting for rain, the farmer knows its arrival will signal the beginning of a new cycle. He has seen it before and learned well.
Envisioning his garden dancing with abundance before even one sprout pierces the soil allows him to rejoice beforehand.
The rain comes. The ground is softened. It readily accepts the plow, anticipating seeds to come. Through much tending, sun, rain, and valuable lessons learned well, vision bears fruit. Everything flows within allotted times. Each step is pivotal—important. Every stage of development from the formation of the land at My word to the first fruit picked is orchestrated by Me. Remember, nothing happens overnight.
Therefore, My child, don’t look with an anxious heart nor judge yourself harshly. Embrace your process with determination, for out of it comes the answer, the next stage of growth. The land was created by My word and your life was formed in the secret depths of your mother’s womb. Before there was ever a twinkle in your father’s eye I knew you and My plans for you. Knowing this will keep you from having an anxious, discontent, and disparaging heart.
I never force you into being something you aren’t, nor do I say bear this or that kind of fruit before it is time. There is always fruit appropriate to the season—appropriate to your stage of growth.
You have done well. You matter. You matter to Me.
Now the time has come for you to stand on the porch of your life, with face to the horizon. Much work has been completed and your garden is preparing for its harvest. Don’t look back!
My clouds are releasing rain over you, enabling many seeds planted in the soil of your heart, to respond and grow. Like the farmer who waits with patience and faith, trusting in the goodness of God, so must you. Do not wait with a “maybe attitude.” Have a heart filled with anticipation and hope. Watch the horizon and know your time has come.
Your land, once overgrown, neglected and claimed by the evil one, has now become My fruitful garden—a dispenser of lush provision.
After all, I am the Master Gardener.
See…It’s beginning to rain.
***
Thunder boomed like a gavel in the hands of a judge. Sentence was pronounced. Enemies fled. Birds sang. Flowers bloomed in my heart. Rainbows arched the horizon of my life.
He captured the night. I danced in the rain.
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