Debrief: a time to rest, have fun, and reflect on what happened the past month. As I sit in the basement of our hostel in Brasov Romania, worshipping with my squad, I am hit with a truth from the Father.
Our squad mentor, Kacie Tillman, always told us at training camp that we are all gardens. I took what she said as truth, wrote it in my journal, and honestly didn’t really think about it anymore. (No offense to you, Kacie…just bein real.) It’s funny how the Lord likes to bring up things from the past and reveal truth in them. Now here as we are worshipping in Romania, the song How He Loves begins to be strummed from the guitar. The Lord tells me in this moment to look around the room. Specifically He says “look around the room to see how I love them.” I look around and see my newfound family swaying, singing, weeping, laughing, dancing, worshipping. It’s a beautiful sight to see.
Then I begin to think about a garden. Full of different types of flowers, vegetables, gourds, EVERYTHING! Each of these are wonderful plants and they all require different care, grow at different speeds, produce different buds and fruits, and need to be harvested in different ways. In thinking about this in application to my squad, it all clicked.
-In the sake of different care: the Lord cares for each of us in different and creative ways. Just like plants in a garden need unique care, the Lord cares uniquely for us. For some, the Lord is loud and for others He whispers. For some, the Lord dances with them and for others He sings with them. For some, the Lord shows beauty in the big picture and for others He helps them find the beauty in the subtleties.
-In the sake of growing at different speeds: the Lord grows us at different paces and speeds, depending on where we are. Just how lettuce grows at a different speed than a watermelon, I grow differently than my squadmates. You can’t force growth upon someone, but when they are willing and wanting to grow, they will be open for more growth at a faster rate. The Lord works with us on our growth and the speed of it.
-In the sake of producing different buds and fruits: the Lord has placed different gifts and abilities in us as His creation. In a garden, we don’t expect a pumpkin to grow from a rosebush. The Lord places different gifts in each of us; for example: writing, listening, singing, visual arts, poetry, athletics, the list goes on and on. He doesn’t expect me to be a professional basketball player when He’s placed the gift of song in my heart. We all have different gifts or fruits we produce, the key is being willing to bloom.
-Lastly, in the sake of being harvested in different ways: I am taken to this evening’s worship session. I see the Lord harvesting as He goes throughout the room. I see Him watering His garden and caring for each plant in unique and creative ways. He pulls out the most raw and beautiful things He originally planted, cared for, and then harvests. Worship is such a raw time for each person uniquely… I love the sweet intimacy it brings.
Here are some great songs…
“Touch the Sky” by Hillsong United
“Rosie: by John Mayer
“To my Knees” by Hillsong United
“Take is All Back 2.0” by Judah and the Lion
“Extravagant” by Steffany Gretzinger
“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
Bernadette, what a unique way of looking at how each of you are growing in God’s care. I have to stop and realize I have help in becoming the person that I want to be also. Love you very much!!! Mama
Beautifully written Bernadette!! I love the truth that we all grow at our own pace and that God is at work in each one of us. So thankful that you are with Tori this year. I’m praying for you all.
Blessings, Mrs. Roman
Beautiful and profound. Thanks so much for sharing and for giving me a glimpse into squad life!! Blessings!!
Thank you so much, Mrs. Roman!! I am so thankful to have the opportunity to get to know your daughter this year. Thank you for the encouragement!
That’s so awesome and encouraging to hear, Mama!! Love you so much!!!
Thank you so very much, Mrs. Hyde!! Sending hugs your way!
Enjoyed this, Bernadette. Mr. Beaver and I are picking up the truck to load the Fall play into. I’d say we’re like ground cover, me and the Mr., slow and steady. Praying for you and using your newfound wisdom as inspiration.
Love, love, love this post!!! We all do grow in our faith and worship in different ways. And that is what makes it all so beautiful…that none of us are alike, but we can all be used to grow God’s kingdom…each in the exact and unique way God has designed us!!! I love the analogy you use with the garden! Such a great visual. ??
Beautifully written, Sweetie! I just love the pictures you have brought to life through your words… the truths you have exposed. Thank you for being a listener… a voice…. a messenger of truth! Thank you for loving your Heavenly Father and allowing yourself to be loved by Him! Thank you for seeing through HIS eyes, hearing through HIS ears, and understanding through HIS heart! Thank you for these beautiful reminders and lessons! Thank you for bringing so much joy to my life! I love you so so much… and continue to learn so so much from and through you! You are a blessing!! Thank you for continuing to share what your Heavenly Father puts on your heart!!! xoxoxox
Hey Sweetie, sorry about the ‘signature’ on the last post… I just got carried away, lol. I think you still remember that I’m your mum, hahaha
What wisdom and insight God
has bestowed to you!
Thank you for sharing! ????
Hey Bernadette! Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful thoughts. You’re in my prayers every day and we have our church neighborhood group praying for you as well! 🙂 They are enjoying your posts too. We all think it’s beautiful to see God working through you and letting us follow your journey through your thoughtful writings. Hugs!
I LOVED this word when you gave it and still do- such a perfect picture Bern!
Hi, Bernadette!! Loved your analogy! Got me to thinking about the things in my “rock garden”………Yes there are some beautiful flowers but there are also grasses that some people might think look more like weeds!! I think they are beautiful too. God sees us the same way……whatever we look like He sees all of us as beautiful!!! Thinking of you, praying for you and sending my love and a big hug!! “Grandma” Pat
Hey there my darling! It’s awesome hearing about what the Lord is teaching you even in those times of rest! I can’t wait to hear more about what He’s teaching you and what He’s doing through you and your squad! I love you Bernadette!
~Nick
Thanks so much, Aunt Jackie 🙂 I’m praying for both of you daily, I’m so excited to see how the Lord continues to use your lives.
Yes so true!!! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 hugs!!!!
Thank you so much, Miss Jody!!!
Thank you so much, Kristi!! 🙂 The prayers are greatly appreciated, I am so thankful for your support! Sending hugs your way!
Thanks so much, Emily!!! LOVE YOU!
Thank you so much, Mrs. Schmidt!! That’s such a good point, we are all different indeed! I LOVE it!! Sending hugs your way!!
I got an AWESOME squad indeed!! Thanks for readin 🙂
LOVE YOU!
~Bernadette
I love you so stinkin much, mum!!!! Thank you for loving me so well, you are absolutely amazing at encouraging. I love lots and am sending SO MANY hugs your way!!!! xoxoxo