Kristi Pennington

There’s nothing like having fresh tomatoes in the summer. I find they even taste better when they come out of your own garden. Our tomato plants usually thrive and we get the tasty benefits. However, last year our plants produced nothing. After researching and talking to a friend who is a master gardener, we realized our soil was the problem. The soil became depleted after the growing season and needed to be replenished before planting again. Without being replenished, there would be no fruit.

Through my research I found that soil is a living organism. Even though we can’t see what is happening under the ground, there is a lot going on. In our case, buying new soil that is enriched with phosphorous, calcium, nitrogen, and potassium was the solution. We now have an abundance of tomatoes.

As I thought about the soil that grows healthy fruit producing plants, I couldn’t help but compare this to the soil of our spiritual life. God desires us to grow into mature spiritually-minded and spiritually-acting image bears of Himself. He plants this beautiful desire in us for this kind of growth to happen. Within this desire is an invitation to do things which allow for healthy growth and a spiritually healthy soul.   How are we to live in ways that ensure flourishing growth happens?

• Give God thanks for many of the grace gifts He sends within each 24 hour period.
• Take time to be still and quiet with God each day. It’s a time to enjoy being alone with Him. You will find yourself becoming aware that God delights being with you.
• Daily engage with the Scripture reading it and if time permits, studying portions you are drawn to.
• When drawn to specific scriptures, meditate on them, memorize them. These are the ones God will bring to our mind when we’re in troubled times. These will hold us fast.
• Be involved in a small group of like-minded individuals where you feel safe, valued, seen, and are able to be your authentic self. This is a place where there is no judgement, but acceptance and love.

There are many other ways we can engage with God and with others that move us to a deeper spirituality, but these are the best ones I’ve found that help ground me in Jesus so that when the flood waters come, I won’t be up-rooted and swept away. These “nutrients” make us stronger.

Father, Allow the soil of my soul to be a place that is fertile and receptive to all that you desire to plant in my heart. Tend it carefully and nurture all that has sprung up in me that is of you; that I may be a garden of your delight. Through Jesus. Amen. (A prayer by Jim Branch, The Blue Book, p. 247)

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