Tomatoes, a puzzling metal sign, and a lack of perspective do have something in common.
Rusty was a big friendly man who lived with his dad in a small house that sat on several acres down the road from me. Every spring, Rusty planted a big patch of tomatoes and squash in front of his house between the lawn and the road. And every summer, without fail, he urged me to pick his garden-fresh tomatoes—which I love with great and enduring love—anytime I wanted. So, I did. In appreciation, I would drop off a big loaf of banana bread.
One summer, a metal sign appeared in that garden of wonderfulness. Small drilled holes spelled out the word WORG. The sign puzzled me as I power-walked past his house. But as Rusty could sometimes be a quirky character, I just smiled to myself and kept moving.
Now, I am a reasonably intelligent person, but it wasn’t until a couple of days later that I realized what the sign said. My problem was perspective. That simple word of encouragement to grow, planted by Rusty in the middle of his vegetables, would make perfect sense to anyone standing on his front porch.
Thinking about this experience, I am embarrassed, but my mind goes to that short statement in Psalm 119:18 to “open my eyes.” It is preceded by verse 15’s declaration, “I will reflect on Your ways.”
When we rush past signs God places in our spiritual field of vision—something that may take some effort to comprehend—we should stop, ponder, and pray for accurate perspective. This may take time, but it is well worth it when His wonderful truths are revealed.
Ask God for perspective so you can GROW.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Debra Celovsky has served with her husband in pastoral ministry most of her adult life. She has also served in missions in Europe and traveled widely, administering a mission’s foundation. Her work has appeared in several publications. Currently she concentrates on writing, blogging, and teaching the Bible.