Spiritual desiccation


God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, diseases, avalanches, 
and a thousand tempests and floods.
But he cannot save them from fools. –John Muir


It’s dry. My garden needs watering every single night. We haven’t had any rain—not even a drizzle—for well over a week. The thermometer soars to 90o or higher every day. The clay in the garden cracks and splits. Dry, dry, dry.

Kind of like my spirit sometimes, only the cracks don’t show.

This season of pandemic has been challenging for us all. As a pastor, I feel at times like I am not doing my job, because we cannot meet in person and everything else just feels—less. We miss one another. We miss being able to stand close, and whisper, and sing together. We miss gathering round a table and sharing delicious goodies, hot coffee—and let’s admit it—the latest word of gossip. J

But we need to be careful. Go slowly. If I go out and water my garden too heavily, trying to make up for all the lost rain in a single afternoon, my good intentions pave the way to disaster. The water brings more destruction than aid. Baby steps.

So, too, with a tired, dry spirit. Go easy with yourself. Start with spending a little time outdoors, listening for God’s whispers. Add a touch of Bible study, if you like—but don’t think you need to sit down and read the entire Gospel of Mark in one sitting. A verse here, a verse there—and time to let the words soak in. Find little ways to be Jesus’ hands and feet. Plant drought-resistant seeds of God’s Love.


Monday Are you a “plant person”? Even in a small apartment, you can grow herbs in small pots. Parsley and basil are easy ones. Watch them grow! Isaiah 55:10-13

Tuesday Get outside today if you can. Pause and take a deep breath. What do you smell? Give thanks for your five senses. Genesis 25:19-34

Wednesday Teach yourself some new little thing today. Maybe you wondered about a certain type of animal you’ve seen outside. As my mother would say: “Look it up. You will remember it longer!”
Psalm 119:105-112

Thursday Our Judeo-Christian tradition tells us life began in a garden. Prayerfully reread the stories of Adam and Eve. Psalm 65:1-8

Friday Are you a veggie lover? Try a new fruit or vegetable today, something you aren’t sure you like. Be open minded to this experience. Psalm 65:9-13

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, take a look at your spirit. How are you feeling, really? Invite God to water the dry spaces; look for ways to “water” others. Romans 8:1-11

Sunday How will you worship and honor God today? Whatever your spirit is asking—do that. Matthew 13:1-9

The kiss of the sun for pardon;
The song of the birds for mirth—
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
--Dorothy Frances Gurney

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