The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58:11 NLT
The garden at St Cuthbert’s Oratory is a delight. What was once a wilderness is now emerging into a cultivated space of colour and perfume. However, this is the result of hard work. We removed two large hedges, then cut in beds for plants in a large lawned area. This was back-breaking work, but together we pressed on to create a space for all our visiting pilgrims and ourselves to enjoy. Whatever the weather, retreatants will find their way to the garden.
One of the benefits of gardening without much knowledge is discovering just how cooperative plants can be. As we have created beds, the plants we planted flourished and spread. The plants have grown in height and breadth and now gently kiss each other. Their natural growth covers the earth, blocking out light, thus discouraging the growth of weeds; they self-regulate the space. Our job is now to nurture this life that offers colour and scent throughout the year.
Much like our own lives, when nurtured and nourished appropriately, we grow and flourish. We give of our best in the appropriate season, and where weeds once threatened us they are naturally managed by our own growth. We continually need the nutrients drawn from the soil in which we are planted, and such nutrients need to be renewed as we draw our strength from that soil. We also need a lot of water, especially if we intend to flower and give of ourselves to a watching world.
QUESTION
What nutrients do you need to flourish?
PRAYER
Water my spirit through your Holy Spirit, and prune me with your loving discipline so that I may grow and bring about much fruit.
Photo – Symbol of the Moravian Church
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