Tilling...

The other day while in the produce section at my local Kroger, I thought to myself, "Now this is the way to have a garden! Get in the car, go the store, buy some really nice fruit, go home, make a fruit salad and pig out - how cool."

In Luke chapter one we're introduced to some folks who set the stage for us; they did the work of preparing the way. If you think about it, their interaction with the living God was life-changing for them as well as life-changing for us. Their story is only one chapter in God's story; and each chapter "tills the ground" for another.

We are sometimes frozen in time; thinking that unlike those who came before us, we're finally getting it right (a bit arrogant don't you think). In truth we're actually in Kroger; enjoying what others have made possible. Don't get me wrong, this is very cool. It's funny, each generation thinks they're finally getting it right, and maybe in some ways it's true.

However, when I pause long enough to listen to my mom's stories (which I've a lot of lately), I realize that she has spent her entire life preparing the ground for others (and me). Her life has been one of sacrifice after sacrifice as she humbly follows the call of Christ without fanfare.

In church today fruit pickers get all the glory, but the life-long and often overlooked hard work is in tilling the ground.

Thanks mom...

1. Who has made it possible for you to do what you do?
2. What ground are you tilling for others?
3. What happens when tilling ceases?

I think back to all who have made my fruit picking possible - it's a long list and I'm grateful...

Peace out.