Philemon 1:6 – I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (NIV)

The box is well weathered, but still intact, holding the book in place. I can remember as a child, on occasions when we moved, catching glimpses of this box, only for it to be put away again. It was never on the bookshelf, but carefully placed in my parents' room. Occasionally I would see my dad, sitting at the table with the book supported by the table, carefully turning each page as he looked for what he needed. This book contained information about how to prune, plant, and fertilize. A wealth of knowledge was contained in its pages.

This book is now in my possession. My dad gave it to me a few days before he passed away. We were sitting at the kitchen table, and he told me to go and get the box, telling me the exact location in his room where it was to be found. As I placed the box on the table in front of him, he carefully took the tattered lid off and removed the book. Then he said to me, "I want you to have this now."

I am an avid gardener, and this book was all about gardening. It had been given to my dad when he was young, going to horticultural school in England.

Every day now, I see this box with the book in my house. With the arrival of spring, I am sure that I will be turning many pages to help me with my garden this summer.

This book — like the Bible — is to be used. The Bible also talks about pruning, planting, and harvesting. Fruit is to be on display to the world in us — in our actions and words.

I want to be planting and sowing into the lives of others, opening the pages of the Scriptures, so that the light that has been given to me can and will be shared with others.

1 John 3:1 – How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word that is alive and active in our lives. We are sorry for the times when we shorten or even neglect our time in the Word with You. Help us each day to get into Your Word so that we can be effective in sowing into the lives of others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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