We are all gardners

Whether or not you have a green thumb, you are a gardener.  Whether or not you like gardening, you are a gardener.  You are a gardener irregardless of any argument you could offer to oppose that statement. You ARE a gardener.

• your garden plot lies within the hearts and minds of those around you....family, friends, co-workers, strangers
• your seeds are your words, actions, and deeds those folks hear and see
• your gardening tools are your example, the word, and your commitment to the lord
• your fertilizer is your passion, love for others and gentleness

You see, Johnny Appleseed, we are all, as believers, disciples.  Christ started out with the 12 we all know about, but if you look at His "Plan A" it was a plan of exponential discipleship.  Disciples, starting with the 12, make disciples, make disciples, make disciples and on and on.  By the way, there was no "Plan B". 

If you look at the original 12 that Jesus chose to be disciples, you will note that they were common men, and in some cases some rather jaded individuals to begin with.  Just ordinary guys.  Like you and I.   No degrees in theology.  No lofty positions within the church.  Just everyday ordinary working stiffs.....who happen to love Christ.

The original 12 disciples were the original gardeners.  They came to believe.  Then they grew.  Then they planted the seed, and helped others grow.  Then they nurtured those others, and fertilized them, and finally they let them go...to start the process all over again.

Like the original 12, you may be nothing special in life, but you are still a gardener.  What can possibly be sweeter than planting the seed in our children, nourishing that seed, watching them grow in Christ, and then letting them go later in life knowing that they are well grounded and probably better equipped to deal with life as it really is? 

A better husband, father, and man will be a gardener first.  How about you?