photo by Pam Williams |
As I spun the tall rack holding packet after packet of flower seeds, I suddenly spotted the one I wanted—Four O’clocks. The picture on the front of the package showed blooms in a variety of pastel colors covering tall willowy stalks. I couldn’t wait to plant them.
I carefully weeded and sifted the rocks from the area where
I wanted the flowers to grow. When the soil was prepared I dug a little trench
and put in the seeds. I watered them faithfully, and after about two weeks the
seeds germinated and tiny plants appeared. Around mid-summer colorful
trumpet-shaped blooms popped open around 4:00, just like their name indicates, although
for some reason, mine bloomed at 4:00 AM and closed up by 4:00 PM).
Recently I was reading the parable Jesus told about the
sower in Mark 4. Verse eight says, “Still other seed fell on good soil. It came
up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a
hundred times."
What constitutes “good soil”? What elements are necessary
for plants to flower or bear fruit? According to gardeningknowhow.com, seeds
need proper placement (meaning the light, nutrition, and drainage are optimum),
pollination, pruning and patience. Naturally, I thought of the Four O’clock
seeds. They definitely love the light and the soil content where they are
planted. I have watered them thoroughly when rain was scarce. thinned out the
plants when they first came up, kept their space weeded, and plucked off the
spent blooms. I am so pleased with the return for my efforts—the profusion of
beautiful flowers and the copious amount of seeds I am collecting.
Hmmm. I think my spiritual garden could use a little more attention.
How about yours?
Be
encouraged!
Pam©2016 Pamela D. Williams