GOOD DIRT

I just looked at the calendar and a song popped into my head. "It was the third of June another hot and humid summer day......I was out chopping cotton and my brother was baling hay...." is running through my head. Not sure if the words are correct or not, but I think it's Bobby Gentry's "Ode to Billy Joe". The last time I remember hearing it on the radio, the announcer actually noted her birthday by wishing him a happy birthday. Guess that means I'm getting old when things like that happens. Let me know the right words, if you know I've got it wrong, cause I know it doesn't sound quite right.

Anyway, it is hot and humid out there on this third of June. We got our walks in early enough to enjoy them and I have my clothesline filled with wet towels. Thank goodness for cool mornings and air conditioning. We again had our friend, the beagle at the top of the hill, but Riff and Roy are starting to figure out that all the barking and pulling only makes them exhausted, and I think the beagle is beginning to think the same. I sure hope so. I prefer nice quiet uneventful walks where I can enjoy the occasional deer wandering out into view.

This week I've been enjoying discussions Mark has had with some of our friends and neighbors. The big topic of discussion this time of year has been dirt. It actually sounds funny hearing them compare their dirt, how much they got, how they like it and how much they've paid for it. But, then as we've brought home several bags of
"good dirt" from the store for our vegetable garden and some of the potted plants, even I realize how important "good dirt" is for growing the flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables we all enjoy so much.

It's not surprising that Jesus used the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23 to teach his disciples about the word of God. Rather than discussing buying good dirt, Jesus chose to compare God's word to the seeds sown by the farmer and the outcome when the seeds failed to land in good soil. The seeds inadvertently landed on the garden path, where they were snatched by birds; on rocky soil, where they withered and died; and among weeds where they were choked out and died. Jesus further explains that man's attitude upon receiving the word of God can compare to each of these scenarios. When one hears the message and fails to understand it, Satan can simply snatch it away; when one hears the message and receives it, yet doesn't let it root, it withers and dies; and when one hears it, receives it, but lets the worries of everyday life and distractions of wealth prevent the further growth of the seed, it too, is choked out and dies.

Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that the seed that falls on good soil is the one that receives the nurturing and nourishment needed to see it to full growth and future fruition. When we make our attitude and heart welcoming to the word of God, we can be sure to grow spiritually and eventually bear the fruit that God intended of us.

I've been enjoying the purple petunia's and the blue hydrangea's that are, so far, surviving my limited gardening skills. Hopefully, the "good dirt" will help overcome my lack of a green thumb.

I hope your gardens and flowers are blooming and producing all that you have in mind for your summer season. I'll continue with the gardening tips next time when I share Jesus' story of the weeds. Take care, stay safe and have a great day, luv, Susan