I’m a gardener by hobby, although I admit to being a novice. I love to dig, plant, prune, and cultivate, fulfilling an aspect of my need to be creative that is truly satisfying. Over Spring Break I worked on landscaping an area of our yard that had been overgrown and messy, dividing some plants I already had, sharing some with friends and planting some they’d shared with me, creating a winding path with a peaceful and tropical feel. Each morning I walk the path and take note of the new growth found there and it fills me with the greatest of satisfaction. Some of the plants sprout tender foliage while others shoot up great spikes of thick leaves. All very different, all beautiful in their own way, diverse in nature, color, and form, they give testimony to the order found in nature and speak of the glorious creativity of their Creator.



Sometimes I think that the body of Christ is like a garden. God has created us each with our own beautiful attributes, planting us where he knows we will flourish, feeding us with His Word, pruning us for greater growth, transplanting us for His glory and our good, and taking pleasure in our growth in Him. Some grow quickly, shooting up tall, their work visible and encouraging. Some grow slowly-- the beauty of God’s work in them moving at a sure and steadfast pace. Others grow with tender grace, speaking peace to the body through their very natures. When we come together in worship we bring that beauty with us, reaching up to our Heavenly Father as tender shoots reach for the nourishing rays of the sun.



The Body of Christ is beautiful, no matter what metaphor we use to describe it, and as we come together to worship our Lord and Creator He takes great pleasure in us. He loves to see our growth in whatever form it takes, loves to be in our midst as we praise Him in our diversity, and breathes in the sweet perfume of our praise. How comforting to know that He loves, tends, and cares for us, and that He moves among us as we lift our praises up to Him.