May 5th, 2020

Good day to everyone,
I am going to share something that husbands may relate to and wives wonder why what I share is even a problem.  In grocery stores across the land we will find a husband on the phone asking for clarification from his wife on something written on a list  he is holding in his  hands.  He may be staring at several brands and he wants to make sure that he does not bring home a brand his wife would never pick. He may find that the item comes in several sizes and he does not want to bring home too much or too little. My bride is gracious, as I imagine most wives are, and will patiently explain in greater detail what she wants.  Although, I can hear her thinking, "why am I having to explain something that is obvious?"  Husbands on the other hand, are wondering why their wife can't be clear about what she wants. A couple of weeks ago I read something in the list that had me pulling my hair out in frustration.  On the list, which included items from a grocery store and a hardware store, I read the words, "pretty plants". I even showed the words to the guy at the store and asked "how in the world am I supposed to determine what is pretty and what is not?"  He just shrugged his shoulders as if to say, "I'm glad that isn't my list." ​

The reason for my frustration, or better said fear of bringing home the wrong thing was that "pretty plants" is so subjective. It isn't difficult to imagine a husband proudly displaying the "pretty plants" he brought home only to be asked, "what in the world were you thinking?" I think what constitutes a pretty plant is so subjective.  I know that in the past I have been shown what others have planted and asked myself, "So you planted that on purpose?"  What we select under the banner of "pretty plants" will be as varied and diversified as we are.

What is consistent is what the Lord determines constitutes as a pretty plant in our lives.  We could call it the fruit that is sown in our lives. The fruit from our spiritual gifting will vary. The fruit of the Spirit is a consistent endeavor for all of us.  Therefore, when it comes to what we plant, the bible provides an easy to interpret list.  I know that there have been moments when even though I knew what kind of plants (fruit) I was supposed ot bear, the objective was clear, the implementation of the objective seemed rather difficult. 

When I turn to the Scriptures, I find instructions to help me with such questions.  The Psalms begin with the words in Psalm 1:1-3 [Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on HIs law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by a streams of water that yields it fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.] Whatever plant we seek to yield for the Lord may vary depending on our gifting. However, all plants require a steady source of water. The word of the Lord is a constant source of nutrition so that whatever we plant will fall under the category of "pretty plants". 

Have a blessed day as you meditate on the word of the Lord.
Vic