My daughter and I met S.D. Smith, author of the Green Ember Series, at a Homeschool Fair once. We waited in a long line of people, eager to get a picture and a signed copy of his newest middle grade novel in a series that has delighted many a heart with it’s themes of struggle, redemption, and hope. Esther shyly but eagerly posed with the man who wrote words of adventure and heroism that tickled her young eager ears. After I took the picture, he noticed my camera case and asked me about it. It’s the one with all the pictures of my kids, the one I had custom made after Caleb ran ahead to heaven. Hungry to be surrounded by his pictures, memories of a life so precious, I have treasured this gift, as it has afforded me many opportunities to share Caleb’s story with others. My heart swelled with love for a son lost as I told S.D. our story. This busy man, with a line full of people eager to see him, took the time to meet a grieving mama in her pain and listen. To hear, however briefly, of a faithful one, now in the arms of his Savior. Touched by my story, he asked me if he could give me a hug. We then went on our way, all of our hearts filled up by a holy encounter, laden with eternal beauty and value.
Months later, after I started this blog, I sent S.D. a link and told him how much his response to my pain blessed me, thanked him for his curiosity and compassion, and told him I would be honored if he would read our story.
His response has been echoing through my heart ever since.
“I am so moved by your words and heart.
Beautiful and painful.
You are planting a garden in a wilderness and it is lovely.”
I’ve been feeling less than, lately. Not good enough. Like, what do I have to offer kind of feelings. Last weekend, we attended the bridal shower of a dear friend. Going around the circle of around 30 women, we had a precious time of sharing something about the bride to be, as well as a piece of advice. When it came to my turn, I shared something that had truly touched me about this friend. But advice? I feel so broken. So weak. What could I have to share?
Today, I realized that what I have to offer is summarized in what S.D. Smith wrote me.
Plant a garden in the wilderness.
Throughout your life, you will have ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Your marriage, your parenthood, and your friendships will go through seasons of beautiful joy, as well as seasons of dryness and grief. Some sorrows will feel like more than you can bear. And they are. But God. Let Him be your focus. Measure everything you do, who you are, to Him. Continue to plant your seeds: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Trust Him to determine the outcome. He alone will cause those qualities to grow in your life, and produce fruit in you and in your relationships, for His glory and for the building up of His kingdom.
You can’t control the elements. But you can trust the One who does. He is making a beautiful garden. He delights in His children, and He delights to give us good things. Trust Him.
And watch your garden grow.
Megan, I just love your writing. You know FLORIDA has no while your waiting. I have a wonderful church, and a wonderful care pastor. I think with a ticket to Sarasota, Florida…we can make a great case for a chapter of WWW. The possibilities are endless here. Can we talk? The whole HUGE state of Florida has not even one
Wow!! Julie, your words are such an encouragement to me. Thank you so much! I did not know that about Florida! Well, I think something should be done about that! 🙂 Hmmmm…let’s talk soon.