The greenhouse effect

“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”  1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV

I have not posted a devotional in a while.  I took a break because I had some questions to ask my heart.  Still working on those and will share some over time.  Maybe you face the same questions.

Writing is something I love.  Also, I have mentioned before that I drive a lot.  Windshield time can be boring.  It can also be challenging.  Sit still long enough and you can hear your own thoughts, the still small voice of the Savior saying, “Why aren’t you doing what I asked you to do?” and whispers from an enemy saying, “Nobody wants to hear from you”. I have also re-learned that my audience is Jesus, even if no one looks at it.

I have driven through a lot of grief from Jordyn leaving and have meekly thanked God for a life I do not deserve filled with Mary, Jordyn, Aly, Korbin, Logan, Harlee and Oliver.  I have dumped a lot of joy and emotion doing 80 miles per hour.  My eyes are open, just full of tears at times.    

I have also recently completed a long-time goal – a greenhouse.  I am sitting in it as I type surrounded by plants and dirt – and a glass of whiskey.  This little piece of heaven was previously built, then dismantled when my plans ran afoul of city ordinances.  It has now been completed and complies with every code I learned the first time.  My wife said I was only slightly obsessed.  She did not use the word “slightly”.

I get anxious.  I take medicine for it.  I have had panic attacks, although thankfully not in a long time.  They are not at all fun, especially the first time because the symptoms present like a heart attack.  That is a truly conflicted state of mind – clinically nervous about nothing in particular, feeling like you are maybe going to die, now nervous specifically about having a heart attack that you are not having. 

One thing I have learned about myself through it is that my heart and mind stay cleaner when my hands are dirty, with old fashioned dirt.  The idea of being able to grow and kill some plants year-round sounded amazing to me.  The idea of sitting in the greenhouse writing was pretty compelling, so once we started, I wanted to wait until I could sit in it. 

Do you have a place you go to spend time with God?  “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing is holy ground.”  Acts 7:33 NIV.  You can talk to Jesus anywhere, in silence or outload.  He can hear either. 

Do you know of a place where He seems to talk to you?

Challenge:  Find one.  It can be a place in your house or outside.  It can be anywhere physically, but it really only involves your heart seeking Jesus.  He is seeking you.  Seek Him and you will find Him.

Rick Claiborn