My Imperfect Garden by Karen Pourbabaee
“As for man…as a flower in the field, so he flourishes.” Psalm 103:15 NAS
I don’t garden nearly often enough. I want to. But so many elements vie for my time. I have grand illusions of idyllic lush gardens always perfectly groomed and blossoming. But alas I confess to walking past weed strewn garden beds and turning my cheek when I spy spotted leaves and browning foliage. I don’t like imperfect.
Funny thing. When you are at plant level in the garden, diligently weeding and working the soil, a single bloom can come into view and nearly take your breath away. And you are reminded of the old saying that one is nearer to God’s heart in a garden than anyplace else on earth.
I think God always works in imperfect gardens. In Psalm 103, man is likened to a flower that flourishes. We are reminded here that we are that flower in His eyes. Vibrant. Colorful. One of a kind. Beautifully crafted. He also looks past the weeds and the not-so-healthy parts. He sees us as He has intended before we were yet in our mother’s womb. So He waters us and nourishes us with His life-giving Word, then faithfully waits for the first blooms of summer. As we cooperate with Him, He transforms the unruly elements one at a time. And causes us to flourish in our imperfect gardens…to grow vigorously, succeed, prosper, and thrive.
Lord, I wait for you even among the weeds, ready to work, ready to do Your will. Walk alongside me in this garden path. Transform me in my imperfect garden, for I long to flourish before You.
Karen spent most of her life in the nursing field. Today her mission is to heal using God’s words. Contact
