But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard-things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely...Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means that we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Galatians 5: 22-26 (Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)

On my last visit to see Mama and Papa, I went with my mother to take care of Susan’s houseplants. She and my brother David, their teenagers and her parents had gone on vacation. So while Mama set about her task, I puttered around checking on the hamster and giving attention to their many cats and dogs.

Mama had the watering can and was going from plant to plant, poking her finger into the dirt of each pot, giving the soil the “finger test” to check for dryness and then distributing the much needed moisture. I am truly amazed at my mother’s wisdom in knowing just how much water is required. This method never seems to work for me. I must be an all-or-nothing caregiver. Plants either rot or perish depending upon my inability to determine the moisture so necessary to life. So rather than risk “helping” by doing damage to Susan’s plants, I was definitely much happier caring for and soaking up the animal affection.

Today, when I read Eugene Peterson’s wonderful rendering of this scripture, I am again reminded of this nurturing process. There is almost a deliberate sense of ritual and being gifted with sensitivity as well as called to care-taking in order to nurture the development of the “fruit.” It is as much about “watering” others as it is about receiving nourishment ourselves.

The sad fact is, we are not always willing to wait to see what grows. We want to have instant oranges. Many of us do not want to spend time cultivating the blossoms. Sometimes we forget to pray for rain and to tend all of life-and-earth, not just a particular aspect of it. As if by focusing on one leaf we could take care of the root as well as the flower. It is my belief that a lot of such hurriedness stems from the lack of understanding of the nature of life: soul and spirit. That is wisdom, both knowledge and fertilizer.

I know some special individuals who possess the virtues of patience, kindness, gentleness, and generosity. They are all people who use those gifts for nurturing. I am reminded once again of the image of Mama and her watering pitcher. That picture and this scripture from Galatians holds an image of caring that reaches deep into the roots of us all. As we share water/life/caring/God/Christ/Spirit, then we, in turn, are enabled to branch out and develop to our potential. Unique. The individual tree within the orchard producing a larger crop, a greater harvest. The ultimate yield.

May this issue of ecumininet™ online! brings you new perspectives and pleasure. We hope you will be enriched as you absorb these delightful articles and stories, poetry, photography and the wonderful interview with Children’s author and pastor, Kathleen Long Bostrom. While you are here, you are the ones “on vacation.” It is our turn to do the watering.

<<Back to Archive

View for Printing

Contributors
Staff
Advertising
Internships

Send this Page to a Friend

Add Me to Mailing List