Newsletter

August 2010 Newsletter

Devotional by Linda Sweeney

Recently Ed and I took "the big plunge" and employed a recommended landscaper to completely redo our front lawn by replacing the yard of weeds we'd had for years with grass seed more suitable to our soil. We knew our homeowner's association would appreciate it too. At first everything was green and lush...quite the transformation! The "landscaper" planted Rye grass (because it takes root quickly) along with three different types of Fescue. He said this would give us grass much faster, and the over-seeded Fescue seed would sprout after the Rye "had done its thing!" Soon it was truly a sight to behold...all green and gorgeous! We faithfully watered and babied it, but worried when we failed to see the Fescue sprouting as promised. Once the summer sun began to beat down, it became evident something was very wrong. We either did not receive the promised Fescue seed or it was defective. We are now hearing "we can fix this in the fall by aerating and reseeding!" What a disappointment! It was such a temporary solution! The grass has definitely withered!!

Our back yard is affectionately and gratefully known as "God's Garden" because it's full of perennials that He brings back each year! Sunflowers and daisies just simply make me happy, and since they, along with many other flowers, are in bloom now, I am so thankful we have something of our dream lawn to look at and to help diminish the sadness of our brown grass! However, I know it won't be long before even the beautiful bouquets I gather are gone for another season.

This all makes me think of a favorite verse in scripture. In fact, it's hanging on my kitchen wall: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8. God gives us special things for a season, but ONLY His Word hidden in our hearts will last. The Word of God is the only thing we'll be able to take with us when we leave this temporary, perishing world! Each time I look at the loveliness of my flower garden (and my very brown/dead grass), I realize the importance of gathering up God's truth for the eternal arrangement that will never wither or fade. How many flowers will be in our heavenly bouquet when we enter eternity? I am planning to take all I can possibly gather! Happy gardening!