I spent some time working out in my yard this morning. The last couple of weeks have been quite busy and I haven’t given my plants much attention. I dead-headed some of my flowers. Pulled some weeds. Looked at areas of new growth and tried to figure out why some other things were struggling or dead. Harvested some tomatoes from my garden. Moved some pots around and cleaned off the deck and patio. Pretty routine maintenance.

As I made my way around the yard, I began to think about what I wanted to plant next. A good gardener is always thinking about the next season. What varieties did well this year? Which ones struggled? What factors contributed to the success or failure of my garden? Sunlight, water, wind, soil conditions…how did these influence my plants? How can I increase my yield?

It was then that I began to contemplate how this whole process relates to my daily life. It’s all about sowing and reaping. What does the garden of my life look like?

I have planted some things with intention, nurturing them with purpose. These are the areas of my life where I am having success, a good harvest. But there are other areas of my life where I am struggling. I tried to plant something, but I didn’t give it the appropriate attention and now it is failing.

Some things have been choked out by weeds that I allowed to grow. Laziness, bitterness, insecurity, doubt, fear. I have believed some lies about myself that have taken root and tower over everything else, blocking the light.

Perhaps the most difficult section of my garden to deal with is the area where I really want a good harvest, but I failed to plant anything. I might have had good intentions, but I never followed through. Nothing comes from nothing.

This whole little existential crisis started me thinking about what I really want my future to be. What is working for me? What needs to change? Are there some weeds that need to be pulled? What dead things are taking up valuable space in my heart? What will I plant next?

I had to remind myself that I am the boss of my choices. I get to decide what I will nurture and what I will release. Even when circumstances arise that are out of my control, I get to decide how I will respond. I want my choices to reflect who I am and what I truly believe. I don’t want to waste another minute being anyone less than who God created me to be. Life is too short and too precious.

So, I will teach the lessons, sing the songs, and write the words, even when it seems like no one is paying attention. I will finish the book proposal, conquer the handstand, and love my people. I will choose wisely and plant well. It’s all about sowing and reaping.