My Mother’s Garden

Today, my Dad, siblings and I were weeding, mulching and planting some flowers in the beds around our house. Because we know our mom’s love language is “acts of service,” we have started this tradition as a gift for Mother’s Day. She always enjoys seeing the finished product, and is relieved that she doesn’t have to do all the work by herself! As I was kneeling there this morning, pulling some stubborn weeds out of the ground, I got to thinking about my Mom and all she means to me. Suddenly, the symbolism of what I was doing even then started to inspire me with these next thoughts.

My mom never had a huge garden as we were growing up, but she enjoyed having the flowerbeds around the house look nice. However, as I thought about it, she has had a much bigger “garden” to tend to – her children. Throughout the years she has planted seeds of love, care, instruction, and purpose into our lives. Sometimes we have joked around and called her our “Agent” because she is always making sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted with everything that happens in our lives. But one thing is perfectly clear. She has our backs. She always has. She has tended her garden well throughout the years. Yes, sometimes we have let stubborn weeds grow in her garden – weeds of disobedience, defiance and disrespect. But she has never given up on us. Our burdens are her burdens. Our joys are her joys. She has tended to us, and pulled at those stubborn weeds with much prayer and counsel. Even today before I went outside to tend to the actual weeds, my mom pulled out a “weed” in her garden. A weed in my heart that I was letting fester. A weed of discouragement. Through a simple quick hug, and the words “I am praying for you!” that weed of discouragement was quickly pulled from my heart. I was reminded yet again that God is in control, and that I am not alone. Just by those simple words voiced by my mother.

I found this poem that goes with these thoughts so well. The phrase in the poem “She turned me to the sunshine” is such a true statement. Every time I have ever gone to her for counsel and encouragement, my Mom has always turned me back to the Sunshine – Jesus Christ. Although I know she will always have a listening ear, she always reminds me that I have a God who wants me to trust in Him at all times, and pour out my heart before Him. (Psalm 62:8)