What You Water Grows
Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Philippians 4:8 NCV
Every year, I look forward to wandering through the local nurseries, choosing flowers and herbs for my patio and flower beds. I carefully pair colors, heights, and textures, already picturing how they'll come together in a display that will make my backyard my favorite place to be.
I also somehow convince myself that this is the summer I'll remember to water them every single day.
Apparently, optimism is sold right alongside the petunias.
Then the long days of summer heat arrive.
And despite all my good intentions, I forget to water them far too many times.
Apparently, flowers don't appreciate good intentions nearly as much as they appreciate water.
More than once, I've climbed into bed only to remember...I forgot again.
So back outside I go, hose in hand, while the crickets serenade me and fireflies flicker through the darkness. As I grumbled my way from pot to pot, trying not to become a mosquito buffet, a thought crossed my mind.
My flowers aren't the only things that wilt when they're neglected.
My heart does too.
Every day, I'm watering something.
Every "what if" waters anxiety.
Every comparison waters discontent.
Every replayed offense waters resentment.
Every headline that becomes louder than God's promises waters fear.
Or...
I can water gratitude.
Every thank-you reminds me of God's faithfulness.
Every answered prayer reminds me He still hears.
Every ordinary blessing reminds me He is still good.
Researchers have found that gratitude actually retrains your brain to notice what's good. God told you to do that long before science explained why.
Like my flowers, your heart needs more than good intentions. It needs consistent care.
Gratitude doesn't deny life's heat.
It simply changes what grows in the middle of it.
What are you watering today?
Tomorrow, your heart will reveal the answer.
You are loved!