Elder’s Corner: My Garden Mishap

 Two weeks ago there were a couple of really warm days. For once I thought “I'll get my tomatoes and pepper plants out early this year.” So I tilled up a patch, went and got some beautiful plants, and set them out. The soil was warm and the plants thrived. Then a few days later a frost warning was given for the next night. I covered the plants with plastic buckets. The next morning it hadn't even got cold enough to frost here. I uncovered them and hoped that was the last chance for low temperatures. About a week later 26 degree temperatures were predicted. I again went to the trouble to cover the plants, and I'm thinking I'm not sure all this extra preparation is worth it—maybe I shouldn't have planted them so early. The next morning the frost had hit but I uncovered the plants and they were fine. They next night was a repeat of the day before. I covered them and waited for the next day. This time I uncovered the first one and found all the leaves bowing like they were in prayer. I uncovered each one hoping to find at least one which had survived but not a one did. My thoughts began to race-- “I wish I hadn't gone to the trouble and expense to set them out early, I wish I would have known the weatherman was finally going to be right about his forecast, I wish I had put plastic over the garden and put a heater in there---I wish, I wish, I wish.”  My mom used to quote a saying that her grandma used to say, “If wishes were horses, beggars might ride.” I left the dead plants in their rows hoping they would be like Jesus’ Easter miracle and resurrect—they didn't. So I decided I'm not going to plant a garden this year, but yesterday I stopped by the plant store and saw the plants that looked so good and one had little tomatoes on it so I repented and bought some. Today as I plant them, I'm believing in tomorrow—I have hope!

God teaches us every day through His creation, doesn't He? Here is hoping you have learned some of those truths. God knows all about the “frosts” that come in your life and He is there to help you. “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). And then we learn from plants just like humans—death can come at any age, so we are to be ready (just like taking every precaution covering the plants, going to the doctors doesn't always prevent the inevitable).  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). So however much time God gives you—be fruitful and productive and know that God loves you and wants you to share His gift of heaven forever.     

—Alan