Domestic Arts

 

In 2009 there was a world food crisis leading to the doubling and tripling of grain prices, food shortages, and even riots in some parts of the world. This caused me to wonder, if even if only in a small way, how I could be part of the solution. Around the same time, we purchased our first home with a nice sized back yard. Curiosity about the possibility of growing my own fruits and vegetables began. Since then, I have encountered the many joys and frustrations of gardening, learning some lessons along the way!

 

Seasonal Lessons

 

In addition to the routine tasks of gardening, there are other aspects of gardening that draw me in to worship-filled contemplation of God. Austin is blessed with a climate where we can garden year-round. Each season brings opportunities to plant new crops and, as a result, completely different harvests for each season.

 

“Plants that start out looking like a utilitarian vine or bush are transformed into a beautiful show of color when they are heavy with fruit.”

In the spring and summer, my favorite vegetables to produce are many varieties of hot peppers. In the winter, I love to pick fresh lettuce and carrots. As I spend time in the quiet backyard, the variety of crops and changing seasons cause me to consider God as the magnificent Creator, working all seasons and plants together to bring variety that we too often overlook. Plants that start out looking like a utilitarian vine or bush are transformed into a beautiful show of color when they are heavy with fruit. This fruit proves that the preceding weeks and months of work were not in vain. All of this reminds me that God is still at work in me and in creation, and he will ultimately complete his work one day.

 

Shared Enjoyment

The garden has taught me many life lessons and brought me much joy. However, while the composting, pruning, and harvesting are essential to my enjoyment of the garden, I have come to believe that my enjoyment is not the gardens greatest offering.

“However, the greatest joy that I get from all of gardening’s hard work is when I am able to share a meal with friends and neighbors using the crops from my garden.”

While gardening can be a solitary endeavor, it also brings a wonderful opportunity to commune with others. This can look very different from person to person. Some just take the vegetables and say "Thank you." Others receive them and offer some of the food that they make in return (bonus!). However, the greatest joy that I get from all of gardening’s hard work is when I am able to share a meal with friends and neighbors using the crops from my garden. Sitting around the table, communing, thanking God for his bounty and enjoying together His gift of gardening.

 

I could write much more about worshiping through the art of gardening, which shows me that as I garden God is at work in my heart, drawing me toward himself and desiring to make me more like Jesus. As I continue to learn and grow in the art of gardening, I pray I may become even more aware of God's patient love and leading in my life, constantly pointing me to the greatest love of all… God Himself.

** Chris is husband to DeeDee and father to Jude (10 mo). The Adams host the Eastside City Group in there home every week and throw killer 4th of July parties. When Chis isn't busy doing all of that he works as a web developer.