Internet Cafe

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I Got Caught Dirty Handed

Because when I garden, I don't wear gloves.


Maybe it's because I love the feel of the soil between my fingers. Perhaps the fact that I saw an earthworm as I was planting my tulip bulbs didn't really freak me out too much since, you know, I live in the country and all.

Even though I didn't jump up and start screamin' like a fool, I did chop his head off. And the thing just kept movin'.

The nerve.

The truth of the matter referring to gardening is that I will probably never wear gloves. I need to get in there. To feel the soil. To mesh the Oklahoma red clay with the potting soil so that my plants are full of nutrients. To get the occasional splinter from the mulch as I put it in place to protect what I've planted.

Ministry is a lot like gardening.

There can be some amazing events that are witnessed as we minister to others...saved lives, redeemed marriages, healed bodies, transformed mindsets. And these things delight the eyes of those around much like the blooms of petunias or begonias.

But we don't always realize how dirty ones hands must get to see such unbelievable things occur.

I wonder how many mothers and grandmothers prayed for those lives to be saved. I wonder how many couples have reached out to walk hurting couples through difficulties in their marriages. I wonder how many prayer warriors have stood beside a hospital bed pleading with God to bring wholeness to a sick body. And I wonder how many counselors have helped people walk in freedom from detrimental mindsets.

I wonder.

Yes, ministry is a lot like gardening.

Figure my hands will stay dirty for the rest of my days.

What about you?





Visit Cindy daily at her personal site, CindyBeall.com



Labels: ,

5 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

Bless you for a wonderful post.

July 30, 2009 at 3:22 AM  
Blogger Thena said...

Great post as always. At least now I know I'm not the only one that hates gloves when gardening. I love to feel the coolness of the dirt on a early spring morning.

July 30, 2009 at 6:10 AM  
Anonymous Cindy Beall said...

Thanks, Denise and Thena.

July 30, 2009 at 7:52 AM  
Anonymous HisFireFly said...

Beautiful analogy. I remember someone once saying that when you disciple people you have to change a lot of dirty diapers.. no one sees what goes on beyond the scenes..

July 30, 2009 at 8:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This was very inspiring. I truly loved the analogy, because it rang so true for me.

July 30, 2009 at 9:30 AM  

Post a Comment

It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home