Some folks say they will do something but do not do it; they are called hesi-tators. Some folks spend a lot of time sitting and peering into the garden; they are called meditators. And some folks never seem motivated to participate, but are content to watch others; they are called speck tators.
"Every garden is unique with a multitude of choices in soils, plants and themes. Finding your garden is as easy as seeing what brings a smile to your face," Teresa Watkins.
I am speaking metaphorically, of course. Bishop Robert Morneau invites us to see areas of our lives compared to gardens. The Creator put us in a garden and has challenged us to grow, prosper and subdue the earth.
I used to compare my daily life to a garden, and at night I would reflect on the state of things. Were the weeds under control? Was everything in order? Could I rest cheerfully from my labor?
Grateful for the opportunity to enjoy working in the Lord's creation let us check out Morneau's twelve garden comparisons:
1.The Garden of the Body - Get proper nutrition, exercise and rest; and avoid chemical abuse, smokingobesity. We want this body to serve us for many years. Let us keep it in the best condition.
2.Garden of the Soul - Cultivate a prayer life. In our spiritual garden we need quiet time to listen to and speak to God. Our spirituality influences all other aspects of the garden.
3.Garden of Family and Friends - Take the time to nurture... Forgive, love and serve. Christ came to serve.
4.Garden of the Globe - Care for the environment; recycle; don't waste natural resources. Get educated about issues.
5.Garden of Emotions - Aim for emotional balance; work at being in good humor. Seek harmony to avoid stress and depression. Consider the gift of quiet time and solitude.
6.Garden of the "Polis" - be politically aware, involved and informed. Vote. Contact your government representative.
7.Garden of the Mind - Keep learning. Especially in the areas the Lord has gifted you.
8.Garden of Decisions - Make well informed choices; work toward understanding and consensus; keep the vision and mission of Jesus in mind. Seek prayer support in life's decisions. Avoid the trap of fear and indecision. Go where God leads you.
9.Garden of the Chip - Use technology for good purposes. Electronic devices are tremendous tools to serve God.
10.Garden of History - Know and value the things of the past; keep lessons of history fresh in the mind. Consider the lessons of Faith history, the bible, and family and church history.
11.Garden of the Arts - Listen to, read and watch the best in the Arts. Cultivate your artistic talents and support the Arts in your community.
12.Garden of Money - Use financial resources well Be grateful for God's gifts and share generously with church and charities.
Have a Blessed and prosperous 2012. "Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go" Brooks Atkinson. "The object of a New Year is not that we have a New Year, but that we have a new soul" Chesterton.
