LANDSCAPING THE HEART AND SOUL

LANDSCAPING THE HEART AND SOUL
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 by MELISSA HENDERSON

Categories: devotional

PLEASE WELCOME

MELISSA HENDERSON

ANYTHING GOES TUESDAYS

Brown grass, dead bushes, and withered plants trying to hang on in the changing weather. The front yard of our newly purchased home didn’t match the beauty inside. The Lowcountry of South Carolina tends to have very hot temperatures during the summer months and colder temperatures in the fall and winter, which often causes plants to end their life cycle. My husband and I expected a few failing plants here and there. What we did not expect is the whole front yard looking like it had been forgotten.

Making the decision to seek a landscaper, we inquired online and with friends and family. A few suggestions were made based on experience. Looking through various references and suggestions, Alan and I chose a local man to tackle changing our yard from depressing to beautiful.

The landscaper visited and brought a written proposal, references, and his insurance policy. We appreciated his attention to detail. He also has a degree in horticulture. With photos of plants and colorful flowers he thought would look lovely in front of our home. After a discussion about price, we agreed to have this nice man tackle the project.

The day came when the landscaper and helper arrived in a pickup truck. The bed of the truck was filled with new plants and shrubs. Mulch would arrive the next day. These men worked hard from the moment they began until they left for the day. The work was thoroughly completed and our yard was transformed from ugly to beautiful. Thank you to those hard workers.

Photo by Melissa Henderson

Watching holes being dug and each plant gently placed in the ground with care reminded me of our heart and soul. While these men dug holes, shoveled dirt, and lovingly transformed our yard, I thanked God for the hard workers and the tasks they completed with care.

How often do we let our thoughts go to ugly places? Jealousy? Anger? A battle of the “what if’s?” We can get caught in a whirlwind of worry if we allow the stress to take over.

What does the landscape of your heart and soul look like today? Are your thoughts beautiful or ugly?

Remember to trust in God. Go to Him daily in prayer and share your heart. God is waiting for a conversation with you.

Melissa Henderson

ABOUT MELISSA HENDERSON

Children’s author Melissa Henderson writes to remind children God created us and God loves us. An award-winning author, Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator.” Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

ABOUT GRUMPY THE GATOR

Living in the Lowcountry provides the opportunity to see many kinds of wildlife. From fish to turtles to dolphins jumping in the ocean, every day can be filled with beautiful sights and sounds.

While playing outside, friends notice an alligator swimming in the pond across the street.

Deciding not to get close to the water, the friends run home to alert the adults. Parents see the alligator and remind everyone to stay away from the pond.

The children decide to name the gator “Grumpy the Gator” because of the grouchy look he gives them when swimming away.

God created alligators, too. We need to be safe and stay away from the gators. They want to be left alone.

In Grumpy the Gator, we are reminded to be careful around alligators. Always tell an adult when we see a gator.

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Comments

Diana Derringer From At 1/23/2021 3:33:18 PM

What a lovely reminder, Melissa. Thank you.

Melinda Viergever In From Texas At 1/21/2021 1:15:16 AM

What a beautiful analogy about gardening and God’s tender care of our souls as he is the vinedresser and we are his garden to cultivate. This was a beautiful way to consider all the Lord does to cultivate beauty in our souls and love in our hearts through his tender care.

Yvonne Morgan From At 1/20/2021 8:53:16 PM

Gardens are a beautiful way to show transformation. I am so thankful that God loves us enough to transform our lives for His good purposes.

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 1/20/2021 8:32:06 PM

Thank you Craig. I hope you and Karen can visit. :-)

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 1/20/2021 8:31:15 PM

Love this Melissa! Yes, "May this be the picture of my heart for Christ daily". Tearing out dead roots and transplanting healthy and thriving new plants. Taking out the old ways in our lives and planting the new beginnings. :-)

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 1/20/2021 8:29:33 PM

Thank you Jessica Brodie. Yes, I am thankful, too, for the transformation God brings. :-) Amen.

Jessica Brodie From SC At 1/20/2021 1:11:49 PM

Beautifully said! I'm so thankful for the transformation God brings in our hearts and lives.

Melissa McLaughlin From PA At 1/19/2021 12:08:20 PM

I love flowers and gardens! And this is an important analogy to remember, the digging of soil, tearing out old dead roots, transplanting healthy and thriving new plants. May this be the picture of my heart for Christ daily!