The Master Gardener

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)

My mother loves spring. She rushes home from work to spend time in her yard--digging, planting, weeding—delighting in the first blooms of her lovingly nurtured flowers. Thinking of her, I was struck with how God does the same thing in our lives. I began reflecting on the seeds God has planted in my own life.

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. (Matthew 13:32)

“…With beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—“ (Daniel 4:21)

In the spring of 2002, God changed my life forever. I was introduced to Shannon Morley (not yet Ragland) who would be the catalyst for my rededication to Christ and become the most precious, intimate friend I have ever had. Shannon invited me to a little Bible church and the first seed was planted. In soil rich with loving, devoted congregants, I became hungry for the fertilizer of God’s Word.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

Gently, God began tilling the rocks and weeds that were withering my spirit and stunting my growth. Repairing damage, strengthening my “root system” with the chlorophyll of his Spirit. He replaced the rocks of distance and reserve with openness and invitation; the choking weeds of sarcasm and criticism with the nutrients of grace and love.

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine. (Ezekiel 17:8)

That tiny seed germinated, producing a thriving plant, rife with the warmth of friendship; the comfort and security of close familial bonds, and the ability to see others through God’s eyes, delighting in their inner beauty, uniqueness, strength and character.

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. (Psalm 66:10)

Our Father is faithful, refining us with the divine tools of righteous living:

*The spade of his hands reaches down and scoops us up from the barren soil of our lives,
*The water of his Word quenches our parched souls,
*The sunlight of his love shines like a beacon in the surrounding darkness,
*The fertilizer of his strong embrace nourishes our resolve in this desolate, lost world.


Truly, my beloved Heavenly Father,
You ARE the master gardener. Creator of all things, sower of the seeds of good will, cultivator of divine character. I pray you remove the thorns from my life, mature me into a beautiful reflection of who you are, gently smooth the rough edges like river water over a pebble; create in me a bountiful harvest, overflowing with fruit and goodness so that others may see and know the gift of a life spent with you. May it be a blessing to you, watching me grow. In your precious son Jesus’ name, amen.