Moving Upward Together: Day 14

 

Day 14, Children’s Garden – Latisha Gilliland

 “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season, their leaves never wither, and the prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:3) 

It has always been my desire and my calling to grow little ones in affirming their faith in Jesus and their God-given gifts. When I first came to work in Children’s Ministry at St. Mark, my love for gardening combined with my love for children was manifest in our sweet Children’s Garden. As I looked through pictures of its small beginnings, I saw no structure of grandeur, no foundation or pillar from which to guide us in the planting. Instead, I saw church leaders and parents working together to till the soil, tiny hands to do the work, and willing hearts with faith to bring a harvest. 

I love that the whole book of Psalms starts with the example of a tree. The thought that when a person is rooted in God’s word (firm foundation) that they are like a tree planted by the water (work of our hands). I want that for our children – the hope that the fruit in their lives would ripen in God’s season. The Psalmist knows that it doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say that if you have this foundation, that not only will you produce fruit (blessing from God), but also whatever you do will prosper (grow). 

However, great or small our little garden may be, I want it to be a reminder that everything we do should be rooted in God. Whether we are gathering a massive harvest or just preparing the soil, let us teach the love and nurturing that comes from our Maker. May God continue to bless the many people who have watched over the soil and planting of this garden. We are thankful for the many hands that have given it life – those past and those who are yet to come. What earthly or heavenly things would you like to plant today? Can you reflect on some good things and people that God has planted in your life? What can you do daily that will produce good fruit in yourself and others? 

“Dear God, Maker of heaven and earth, thank you for all that you have prepared for us. Help us to stay rooted in your word and established in your truth. We want to be your hands as we nurture our faith and your feet as we grow together in discipleship. For it is through You that we live, and move, and grow, Amen.”