A Parable from Philip

Celmatis blooming in MY garden right now!
"I do admire beautiful containers overflowing with colorful flowers and eye-catching combinations and I admire the people who grew them because I know that they are a lot of work! They require attention and diligence," (my highlights, not his) says Philip at Dirt Therapy.


"Every year I tell myself that I am not going to plant as many containers as I normally do. Then I proceed to not only plant as many as I did the previous year but I usually add more. My intentions are good. ...When I'm planting the containers on a cool, pleasant spring day, I can easily convince myself that I will be up to the task of caring for them all summer long. No problem! Then the heat sets in and then the drought and when it is 105 outside and I'd rather be on the sofa under the air conditioner instead of sweating outside getting them watered, I'm silently cussing myself out."


"So I've learned one thing although I don't stick to it - only plant as many containers as you are capable of caring for."

Thank you, Philip!
Intentionally or not, you preached a sermon in that post.
A sermon with a fine parable in it!
There's a much deeper meaning in these words for me.
As Jesus would say, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
(And if you're a gardener or simply appreciate beauty,
check out Philip's blog.)
Me?  I'm "planting" fewer and fewer "containers" these days. 
How about you?

7 comments:

  1. That's very good advice: "Only plant as many containers as you are capable of caring for." Very practical - thanks!

    Rhonda

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  2. I am transplanting this year--from old house to new house . . . hostas, lilies of the valley, shasta daisys, rhubarb, Russian sage and a clematis. I am watching them like babies and hoping they will thrive. It is much work. After I dig out my plants, I have to dig a large hole at the new house, haul away the clay, mix top soil and manure, put it in the hole, plant the transplants and then water regularly. I would love to do more but am working on other stuff now. But I am happy every day to check on and care for the babies.

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  3. I am trying to discern if I am planting fewer containers out of hopelessness or because I am learning my limits. Part of me says I have given up some of my zeal, and therefore, I might need to plant more containers and look more positively in the future...that is for me!!!

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  4. I get an *F* when it comes to container gardening. The few pots I have around the yard are on their own......aloe and shamrocks. I would like to have a pot of Moss-Rose. Maybe some day.

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  5. Hmmmmmmmmm. I'm getting a taste of what Jesus must have felt like sometimes. I thought I was subtly making another point. I see that it may have been too subtle. ☺

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  6. I got it, Ms. Rebecca! I'm trying my best to plant containers that are for HIM...not for me!!! ;-)

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)