The Garden of My Heart and its Gardener

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 13: 1-9, relates the parable of the sower.  Jesus says to you and me:

You are like a garden, Dorothy Ann (insert your name).  I plant in your garden every day. What do I plant? Seeds of faith, hope, and love.  Every day I till the soil, opening, softening, watering the soil of your heart.  I pull out weeds, remove rocks, and nurture seedlings. I put a “fence” around your garden to keep out evil. 

Yes, I am the gardener of your heart, Dorothy Ann (insert your name), and the hearts of all.  As I tend to your garden, I tend other gardens as well. I break up hardened, rock-like soil in each garden, including yours.  Thistles and thorns I remove.  The nutrients that each soil needs—and that varies with each person—I possess.  Come to me and I will provide what you need. I  also will teach you how to interact with other“gardens” so fruit abounds.  Do not concern yourself when seeds of love, goodness, and forgiveness which you sow do not yield a rich or even noticeable harvest.  I am the One who gives the growth. I am the One who loosens the soil, waters it and cultivates it in cooperation with each individual. Sow the seeds I give you to sow and leave the results to me.

Thank you, Lord!  Open my eyes to see you at work in my garden and in the garden of others. Help me cooperate with You, as you till my garden. May I plant the seeds you give me to plant and let go of the outcome, trusting and realizing that You are the One who grows the garden!  Give me the wisdom to come to You for the nutrients I need to bear fruit that will last! I ask this in Jesus' name.