A Spiritual Garden by Annette Olivia Brown

Central Park, NYC - Conservatory Garden. AOB Creations Photo

A weed - a plant that  is not valued  where it is growing and usually vigorous growth. especially one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants.  (merriam-webster.com


   "The Secret Garden”, a classic children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnette, is one of my favorite childhood literary experiences.  The imagery is vivid and inspiring.  Currently, I am attempting to master the art of gardening. Gardens encompass rich lessons and insights regarding most aspects of the human spiritual journey.
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    Weeds are an interesting specimen.  Weeds are an absolute enemy to a healthy and flourishing garden.  Once I begin the satisfying pluck of one weed I continue until all, in my power, are eliminated.  I’m amazed at the audacity of these plants popping up and weaving their way into the earth and amongst healthy flowers and plants.

   Weeds are often hard to distinguish from the primary plants you are nurturing, however, when detected, it is obvious they are not “the real item.”  There are products that have been created to destroy specific weeds, however, the ongoing war can be disturbing and disruptive.

    “ Let them both grow together until the harvest..”  Matthew 13:30.

In the Book of Matthew, this disciple shares the delivery of some parables that Jesus the Christ shares with his followers and his disciples.  Later, at the appeal of the disciples, clarity is given to this parable.

    The weeds were sown by the enemy but when the servants asked if they should remove them the owner prevents them from doing so.

      In this world there are many things that the average person would like to remove or uproot.  There are so many things that are harmful or have the potential to be harmful, yet there is a divine time and a divine plan and ongoing grace is given by our Creator God.  

      We need to give grace to each other as we recognize that God gives grace to us all. Christians look forward to a time of harvest for everyone’s soul.  A time where the wheat will be gathered and the tare will ultimately be destroyed. 

     In the garden of our lives we will not enjoy perfection, however, we can, by faith, anticipate a time of complete release and breakthrough in this life and/or in our eternal spiritual life with the Lord.

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