Sunday, September 15, 2024

Contemplating Compost

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The other day I cut some okra from the garden for frying and freezing. Some of the specimens didn’t look so good, so I cut them up and put them in the compost. Silly, I know, but I said to them, “It’s okay, you still have purpose even though you’re not fit to eat.” Those pieces were ugly, tough, and diseased, but later they will turn into a rich, black soil that will nourish next year’s garden. It will be a quiet process out there beside the shed with the weeds that grow up through the blocks and the fire ants that greet me with a sting when I visit. It will take a long time. They will be turned, heated, moistened, and broken down by bugs, worms, and bacteria. It won’t be pretty, but the outcome will be rich. 

Some people get a rough start in life. They might have a history of abuse or neglect or illness. If they are willing to be “processed” by the Master Gardener, they will become someone wise and full of knowledge. They will think profound thoughts and bring value to the lives of others (gardeners pay a lot of money for compost). It could take a long time. It could be painful. It might mean hard work. The success of the process depends on the humble, submissive attitude and willingness of the heart. But if a person is willing, then, he will be prepared to fulfill the purposes prepared specifically for him beforehand by God. Ultimately, all our God-ordained purposes result in the glory of God – no matter how humble our beginnings.  What are those purposes? Check this out.

 Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

What good works have you been prepared to do? 

 joyce hague

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