Message from Pastor Brandi
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY – A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR
I recently mentioned a day lily during a sermon. I acquired my first day lily last year when my husband and I visited Grace Gardens in Penn Yan. The owner and his wife had planted 2000 day lilies on 4 acres.
While the owner walked us through the garden, he introduced us to each plant as if it were a beloved family member. Many of the award-winning hybrid plants had been specially developed by his wife who had died the previous year. The plants were beyond blooming during our visit, so we couldn’t choose our selections based on what the flowers would look like. We placed our trust in the gardener.
After the plants were dug up, we sat and visited. We talked about the miracle of Creation, the sorrow of loved ones dying, and the hard work of living. And we talked about Jesus, and God’s promises, and hope.
Scott and I returned home with 16 plants and felt as nervous as new parents! The only instructions we had were, “Visit your plants every day. They will tell you what they need.”
I’m happy to say that each plant survived winter and has buds or blossoms! I visit them every day.
There is a question attributed to John Wesley that I reflect upon each day when I visit the lilies, “How is it with your soul?” My prayer for August is that we each make time to ask that question of ourselves.
“O people, pour out your heart before God.”- Psalm 62:8
I recently mentioned a day lily during a sermon. I acquired my first day lily last year when my husband and I visited Grace Gardens in Penn Yan. The owner and his wife had planted 2000 day lilies on 4 acres.
While the owner walked us through the garden, he introduced us to each plant as if it were a beloved family member. Many of the award-winning hybrid plants had been specially developed by his wife who had died the previous year. The plants were beyond blooming during our visit, so we couldn’t choose our selections based on what the flowers would look like. We placed our trust in the gardener.
After the plants were dug up, we sat and visited. We talked about the miracle of Creation, the sorrow of loved ones dying, and the hard work of living. And we talked about Jesus, and God’s promises, and hope.
Scott and I returned home with 16 plants and felt as nervous as new parents! The only instructions we had were, “Visit your plants every day. They will tell you what they need.”
I’m happy to say that each plant survived winter and has buds or blossoms! I visit them every day.
There is a question attributed to John Wesley that I reflect upon each day when I visit the lilies, “How is it with your soul?” My prayer for August is that we each make time to ask that question of ourselves.
“O people, pour out your heart before God.”- Psalm 62:8
