If you look for God in everything that you do, you will find him. Even in the unexpected. Recently, I accepted the job of Health Coordinator for Move Bunkie Forward. A part of my job requirements is to maintain the community garden. Note that I am not a Gardner, but I am interested in learning and have been for quite some time. I have wanted to plant a home garden for just as long, but a large amount of unknown knowledge on gardening is very intimidating. So when I realized this was a part of my work duties, I began to seek out the wisdom and people I need to help me be successful in this area.

I spoke to the lady in charge of helping establish the garden. She requested that I send her pictures of what we have to give me the advice I needed. I followed her instructions, took the images, and sent them off. While taking the pictures of the basil, tomatoes, and eggplants, I moved the leaves and bushes around to take photos of what the plant was producing. Once I was done, I got into my car and drove back to the office. The entire car ride and even once I made it to the office; I could smell the aroma of the planets still on my hands and clothes.

Then God made the spiritual connections for me in some of the simplest ways. For one, in all of my digging, I realized that there were rooted plants, and those that weren’t were dying. The healthiest and largest plants were the planets that produced what many could enjoy. I could not tell the plants apart until I looked at what they were making. I also realized that the rain that had fallen moments prior was not meant to hurt the plants but to help them to grow and thrive. I noticed the flowers that surrounded the beds, which are needed for pollen. Finally, what the plants were producing had rubbed off on me. I smelt like where I had been. 

Are you rooted in Christ, or are you dying? Are you growing and producing fruit for others to enjoy? Are your fruits recognizable by others? If so, do they recognize good? When it rains in your life, are you allowing those difficult times to help you grow? Who do you have around you? Are they serving a purpose in your growth? Where have you been? Are you in places that leave you with a sweet aroma or with a stench? What has rubbed off on you? 

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:18-20