Know What You Sow

As gardeners go, my husband and I are in the novice category.  We have planted different vegetables over the years and are now getting more serious about the fruits and vegetables we choose to plant.  The last few years have really served to teach us more of what we didn’t know than anything else.  We’ve determined much of what we want and do not want from our garden. We also realize that much more research is necessary.  Here are a few things we have learned.

A few seasons ago, we started late and could not find zucchini or cucumber plants.  We opted to try a variety pack of seeds.  According to the package we would get several varieties of cucumbers, zucchini and three other types of squash.  Planting was exciting and growing promising.  But when harvest time came, it was disappointing.  None of the cucumber varieties had the flavor we anticipated.  The squash contained only a hybrid of yellow and zucchini.  It was ok, but again, not what we had hoped for.  We harvested what we had planted, but we had not planted what we had wanted.

I thought about the biblical principle of sowing and reaping.  “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)  We may be careless in life and inadvertently sow seeds that are not what we intend.  “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8 ESV)  Sowing to the flesh can be as simple as laziness or inattentiveness.   It can also be intentional sin such as selfishness, rebellion or unforgiveness.  Whatever the wrong seed, it will not bring the desired harvest.

This past year we planted cauliflower.  We never realized that there were different varieties. This variety looked great as it was growing.  There was a pretty purple coloring in the stalks.  When harvest time came, we were again disappointed.  Though visually appealing, the plants were tough and not as flavorful as we had hoped.  It was fine steamed, and we enjoyed the dishes made with.  But this cauliflower fell short of great.

We are cautioned in the Word about being deceived by appearances.  When the prophet was sent to anoint a king, he chose the wrong brother.  “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1Samuel 16:7 ESV)  He continued through the brothers until he finally found David and heard the Lord’s approval.  David had a heart after God.  We need to be sure we are not doing something that looks to be good, but is not the Lord’s actual direction for us.  These works can bring an unintended harvest.  In place of the peace and joy that comes from following the Father’s will, it may bring frustration and burn out. 

Our third gardening error deals with both inattentiveness and listening to those who ‘should’ know.  The season before last, I found a variety of cherry tomato that was very sweet and we really enjoyed.  I was sure it was a ‘chocolate’ cherry.  When we went looking for plants this year, no one at the nurseries had heard of them.  After several people told me I was describing the ‘black cherry’ variety, we purchased a plant.  As the season progressed and I did some more study of seeds and plants on line, I found that there truly is a ‘chocolate’ variety.  Though the black cherry was okay, it was not significantly different from the regular cherry tomatoes we had planted.  If I had noted the plant name and where I had purchased it the prior year, I would have stood my ground and searched for the chocolate cherry.

In life we have to focus on what God has planted in our hearts.  Journaling during my times with the Lord helps me remember.  People may think they know what is right for us.  They may be well meaning, but they may still be wrong.  We have to hear from God, stand our ground and go after His call.  “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3 ESV)  We must hear and follow only the Great Shepherd’s voice.

Not all of our gardening experiences have been negative.  We had excellent plantings of spinach and leaf lettuces this year.  Our berry plants were wonderful and the regular size tomatoes beyond plentiful.  We’ll be repeating some of these again.

So as we prepare for next season we will revise our plans.  We’ve researched and made some adjustments. We will continue to learn and plant what we want to harvest and enjoy

As we go through the seasons of life we need to do the same.  Then we can best follow the leading of God and have a good harvest.   And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)