God’s garden
Last spring I planted an herb garden, even though I don’t have a “green thumb.” In fact, I only sporadically watered the plants when their environment reached desertlike conditions. But, fortunately, I was able to enjoy cooking with the fresh fruits of my labor throughout the summer. A year later, though, I looked out at my garden and realized that my garden—like my life—was in a different phase. The mint had taken over, some herbs were completely wiped out, and others were barren stalks. I decided it was a good season to pull them up.
bitter water
The first time I met her, something in our interaction truly bothered me. A day later, I was praying to God and searching my heart to see why I felt so unsettled around my new acquaintance. After all, it had been a pretty typical social gathering, and I usually enjoy getting to know people. Still sorting it out today, I’ve…
learning to be content
For nearly a year, I was disturbed by a passage in Philippians in which the apostle Paul claims to possess unwavering contentment. “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have,” Paul said, adding, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is…