The Enchanted Garden Story

Do you ever wish you could walk through a door and leave the craziness of life behind? I sure do! I would walk through and melt into an enchanted garden! In fact, most days, I used to do just that! In the late afternoon or early evening, I would head out to my Hawaii garden just to walk and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds. Other times I would just settle into my hammock under the big old mango tree and enjoy the evening bird chorus above me. I watched the clouds roll by as the sun set and it calmed my heart and brought so much peace to my soul.

Being indoors is safe and comfortable. It’s always the same, and the scary or uncomfortable elements are shut out. I like snuggling up in…

- the rest of the story -

...with soft jammies, a fuzzy blanket, a favorite hot drink in hand and a good book or favorite movie is warm and comfortable.

But ever since I was a little girl, I have loved the outdoors. It’s where I feel alive and free. Think, Julie Andrews at the beginning of “The Sound of Music” standing on a hilltop twirling in freedom with her arms up! Like Anne of Green Gables, I would gather wild flowers and adorn myself with them turning cartwheels all the way down the hill.

I’ve never lost this love of being outdoors. I like my safe comfy places, but whether in a garden, by the ocean, or under the stars, just being outside is my idea of the perfect place to rest and let God heal my soul.

Maybe you’ve heard this old hymn. It’s often sung at funerals but I don’t quite understand that. To me it speaks of exactly what I experience outdoors; the presence of Jesus speaking to me through nature.

“He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.”

~In The Garden by Charles A. Miles

In the book of James in the Bible, there is this simple but powerful promise.

“And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.”

James 4:8 Living Bible

I have a dear friend who taught this verse with the verbal picture of us, taking a tiny baby step towards God, and God taking a giant step towards us!

If you are longing to step through that door because you need peace in your heart today, this is what you need to do! Take a baby step toward him. Maybe you love the outdoors but, like me, your situation or where you live doesn’t allow you to get outside. Even if gardens or being outdoors aren’t the place or activity that would help you draw near to God, whatever it is, if it’s not available to you, there is still a way to take that step.

Did I catch your attention there? That’s right! I now live in the desert! There is no lush garden to walk through, no mango tree, no raindrops or dewdrops, very few fragrant flowers and no ocean waves or beautifully fragrant air in the desert. We even have several months that it is too hot to be outside at all!

What does someone do if the ways they would like to connect with God just aren’t available or can’t be done? Is it hopeless?

Of course not! Be creative and take that baby step. God is ready to meet you right where you’re at and bring you the inner peace you are longing for!

Since I love being outdoors, here are a few little steps I am taking to draw near to God:

~I open my window first thing at sunrise to hear the early morning doves and other

birds visiting the fountain in our backyard.

~I use soy wax melts with outdoor garden scents to fragrance my home.

~I have an inexpensive comfy chair in my bedroom facing out the window. I see a

hanging basket with flowers, a green bush and blue sky while I read my Bible or

Bible-based devotional, with Dan Gibson garden music playing in the background

(music+nature sounds)

~On the wall around my chair I have the originals or prints of my favorite garden

paintings.

Each of these are little steps I take towards God. You can too! You may have to be creative like I am now, but when you take that step toward God, as promised, God will draw near to you. His presence through Jesus will bring peace to your soul.

And while you’re at it, look around you. Do you see all those people who are craving peace in their hearts and souls? The next time you have an opportunity, share this concept with them. Tell them about the little steps you are taking and suggest they give it a try. In fact, you could carry the Bible-based encouragement cards we have made and pick one to leave with them.

I hope today, you will take a small step towards God. He will be faithful to his promise and draw near to you and you’ll find peace for your soul through the loving faithfulness of Jesus!