An Inkling
One of the delightful passages in The Shack describes Mac (the main character) working in a garden with Sarayu (the Holy Spirit’s name in this fantasy of divine encounter). As they work the garden, removing briars, digging roots, planting flowers, etc, they talk about many things, including the gardening work itself. But it’s only at the end of their gardening work that Sarayu reveals that the garden they were working is really Mac’s soul – still with much work needed, but already showing an emerging beauty.
I was reminded of this when I was visiting with Jonathan Keyser about his beloved hobby, landscaping. Thankfully he has plied his passion with some beds around the church. You can see the attached before and after pictures of the back entrance. How’s that for an amazing transformation?! Not overnight, but over time, and with a lot of work on his part, Jonathan’s vision of beautiful possibilities has taken root and grown.On several occasions I’ve talked with Jonathan about what could be done with a particular patch of ground. I have no landscaper’s eye, and so I imagine some grass and a few flowers, at best. But Jonathan sees possibilities beyond my imagining – grand visions of variety and beauty, tailored to grow in a particular place. As he describes it, his eyes light up with excitement, for he’s already seeing a beauty that’s not yet grown to be.
I have to believe that the Holy Spirit’s eyes light up as well when he surveys the gardens of our souls. Weeds and briars don’t stifle his wild and wonderful imaginings for us. With an ever-ready supply of water, and perfect timing for planting and pruning, he beautifies us. I’ve seen some of his beautiful vision taking form in you. Won’t it be fun to see his dream come to full realization?! And in the meantime, we get to be his partners in the gardening. Good company, and a meaningful task – what a deal!
Here’s to Jonathan,
Keith
