“The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” ~ Isaiah 58:11
Summer evening, and I stand garden hose in hand, splashing at thirsty patches on our browning, southern lawn. The steady stream, in summer-dusk, easing the day’s tension and tryings from my mother-heavy shoulders, from the sun-scorched places of busy life. “We were too much today,” I whisper low. Flowers tip open, full-wet in their sipping and swallow. Woman swallows too, and breathes… perhaps for the first time in her day.
The day always heated and each hour full. Hotter and fuller than should be in summertime moments intended to meander. But this is the pure pulse of our life – five children and five thousand things which accompany them. Even in summer, minutes move fast and forward. Often full throttle in our afternoon steam. Though we delight in the inefficient attitude of our August, we cannot completely escape from all schedule. Not with seven under one roof. There seems always someone in some kind of motion.
But when the din of supper hour settles, I head for grass and garden and open sky. I go to my watering chores with swing of skirt and toss of much-needed ponytail . It is pure pleasure.
I leave hot kitchen and dishes and shoes behind. Barefoot in grass, I pause, allowing spray and mist to wash knees down. Feet cool and wet. Finally. I sigh with the day’s quiet closing and listen for evening’s hushed coming. And it comes in this lavender-light quenching. God meets me in my garden. He meets me even in this toy-strewn stretch of backyard, with tire swing and trampoline and sandbox spilling.He guides me into this almost-twilight kind of cooling. This kind of hush, after a day full with motherhood.
My brittle soul replenished, my weary frame strengthened in the pulsing flow. Everything drinking. Across the yard, I spy children; somehow softer and more muted now, in the smoky glow of late hour. Birds settle into evening perch and white gardenias open in iridescent dress. Everything wet. And I breathe. Satisfied. A well-watered garden. A well-watered woman. Because I met Him.
By Jody McNatt, even the sparrow…
Leave a Comment
Amy Hunt says
Oh how He DOES meet our needs when we go to Him! This is so beautiful, Jody! Beginning a new day with your sweet words reflecting your joy to be in the presence of Our Father is so refreshing–and I am washed with His peace.
Rich blessings as you find Him in your seeking…
ShenValley says
I am preparing for our ladies retreat. My topic is meeting God in Solitude. I’ve been intrigued to find all kinds of places and all kinds of ways that offer a quiet place to hear God above the chaos of daily life. Thank you Jody for sharing a delightful place of refreshing that I would never have thought of…I’ve always viewed watering as a ‘chore’ not a place to be blessed!! 🙂 I’ll be out in my bare feet tonight with a different perspective!
If anyone has found other places of solitude, please share! Thanks.
valerie says
I recommend you to Jody’s blog linked above. She often finds solitude in the midst muddle, noise and activity.
Melanie says
I blogged recently about how I always wanted to go hide alone in a cabin in the woods but have come to see my busy time as a homemaker was very much the time God molded and shapped me and provided the solitude and growth I was dreaming of getting alone in the woods. Great topic. Have a wonderful retreat.
http://follyandcrisis.blogspot.com/2011/07/cabin-in-woods.html
Heather says
Oh Jody! I needed this so much. Your words are like cool water. I will head to my garden this evening, intent on finding a quiet moment with my Father! Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Heather
Christy says
This is absolutely beautiful Jody! I loved every minute of it. You write beautifully and eloquently~thank you for sharing!!
Jennifer says
Oh how I understand unwinding in the evenings- it’s a favorite. For me it’s a cup of tea on the porch or on the swing in the backyard. I also understand the need for a soul to be watered. Times with Him are what truly keep us going. 🙂
"Aunt" Elaine says
Dear Jody….
I check every day looking for “eventhesparrow”. As if you have nothing else to do, but refresh me with your Holy Spirit led words. Please, however, if I find a new one every day I’ll call your mom! 🙂
Much Love,
“Aunt Elaine”
Anonymous says
aunt elaine! thank you for leaving a comment here. how fun to see this post. my mom tells me you read the sparrow blog… love that! i promise not to write every day though…laundry and lunches and loads of children to attend. but it is pure pleasure when i can carve out a quiet moment here and there. i have so enjoyed being connected with beth on facebook. it allows me to peek into the window of her days once in a while and that is a treat. have a blessed day!
Courtney says
This is beautiful. My husband does the watering at our house, and he stays out there so long that I tease him about zoning out. But you are right – it is his meditation time; time for him to relax, think, and meet God indeed. He says I do the same thing when I vacuum. 🙂
Tricia Hodges says
This so speaks to me fellow southern mama of 5. I often step outside, right at sunset. I walk out the front door, around the house, soak up the beautiful sky, see what might be blooming. Then when I reach the back door I am refreshed and ready to step back in. Ready for tucking in time.
Sharla says
So beautiful! Such a timely reminder for me. Thank you.
Pam Clayton says
Beautiful writings. It is awe inspiring when we take the time to appreciate all He is in and of. Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey…
Betty Draper says
refreshing post.. since 2004 this mid west woman has lived on the ocean in Papua New Guinea. I love to sit on the porch just before dark and listen to the surf and feel the wind blowing on my face….it’s a time to quiet my busy mind and say once again, welcome master of the wind, thank you for creating the water, earth, plants and the wind that will blow out the clutter from that day and fill me once again with thoughts of thankfulness.
Genny says
This is JUST wonderful! Thank you for the inspiration. You write so beautifully!
Rebecca says
Jody, I am so blessed to know the sweet sound of your voice. Your post is beautiful…and the story behind your life is so full of God’s love! Thank you!
Melanie says
Jody, Michele sent me to check out your post. Wonderful. You paint a beautiful picture and remind me to find refreshment in the simple tasks of life. Love it. Keep up the good work.