In the Garden

“Mom, come and look!” my 3 year old daughter calls out from her room. “It is very nice, honey”, I reply not knowing what she wants. “Things are crazy here; I don’t have time for that.” I mumbled under my breath.

My sink is full of dishes from this morning and I have to get supper ready in about an hour. The trash can has been sending me a warning of needing to go outside. It is threatening to stink up the whole house if I don’t comply. Every time when I walk by my bedroom, the overflowing laundry basket just stares at me as if asking me “when are you going to clean me up? Your husband is going to ask you for clean socks again pretty soon!” It irritates me when I faithfully make up a shopping list only to leave it at home when I go to the grocery store. “I will get to the dirty clothes when I finally have the detergent or Santa will have to delivery his present early”, I grouch. Yes, I need to finish my sewing project in time for grandma’s 90th birthday this weekend. I cannot wait to put my sewing machine away so that we can claim back our dining table. The machine has been sitting there for months and I should start charging rent. Picnic everyday is not as fun as people think!

“Now, what?”, I scream when I heard the baby cry.

Although this happened many years ago, our challenges remain today. Being a daughter of the King of the Universe and to our earthly parents, we have great responsibilities and accountability. How can I live up to God’s standard? I do feel overwhelmed at times & I don’t know what to do.

My Savior always reminds me of his words: “be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. He would gently take my hand and lead me to his garden. We walk through the meadow together; enjoy looking at his wonderful creations. The air is filled with refreshing aromas from different plants and the whole place is covered with pleasing colors. I enjoy the sounds of the bubbling brook that runs through the garden, accompanied by the feather choir. What a magnificent orchestra!

With a loving voice my savior calls my name trying to get my attention. “Miranda, take my peace” says the Lord, “the peace that I give you is not the same as the world gives nor can money provide.” He does not promise me a rose garden but he gives me the assurance of all things because he has overcome the world. He shows me his pierced hands and tells me how much he loves me. I should not have doubt of his love; he gave up his life for me and my loved ones as well. I need not worry about their salvation but faithfully do my duties, and he will take care of the rest. He leaves me his words “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11: 28-30.

I do not want to leave the garden but stay there with him forever. However, Jesus encourages me to go on a little longer, for he is coming soon to take all his children with him. He invites me to come back to the garden as often as I wish and drink from his fountain of living water.

Do you have the garden experience with Jesus? It is important to take time with him so that our strength will be renewed & our hearts will be encouraged. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40: 29-31

By Miranda Cerovski
Miranda is pictured with her husband Ed.