Thursday, December 13, 2018

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.   Natalie A. Sleeth, “Hymn of Promise”

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Each day I am fortunate to be able to design and implement changes to our beautiful world. My occupation is horticulture. Evidently God likes my field of business because he allows us to alter his creative world by growing and planting many species of plants. Not only do they give us the pleasure of aesthetics but they nourish our bodies with fruit and vegetables and provide habitats for wildlife and humans. Preparation is very important!

Our work includes plowing and tilling our fields in late autumn so we can plant the bulbs and seedlings that will produce budding plants in spring. We watch our plants prepare themselves this time of year by dropping their leaves and adding berries for the winter season. Richmond allows us a great location to enjoy and prepare for each season. The fruits of our labor are rewarding. Can’t go wrong doing this each day! Good feelings and smiles rule most days, just as in our Advent season.

Advent is the season of waiting and preparing for celebration. Watching the plants around our beautiful church go through their seasonal changes gives me satisfaction that God prepares and readies us for all, especially his son, Jesus Christ.

Mike Hildebrand