I’ve been thinking about the time I have had, and the unknown amount of time I have left to live.

Not to be morbid, but just that I wasted so much time when I was younger chasing after worthless things, like the prodigal son.

However, the past 15 years have truly been restorative, and God in His grace, has redeemed much of the time I squandered.

Though there are moments I know I’m not fully appreciating and valuing every moment of every day for what they truly are – gifts. For I can still find things to complain about, be discouraged by, and worried about.

That’s my flesh and it compounds when the distractions of the world begin taking my focus off my faith.

Thankfully, I am reminded and know God is good, gracious, generous, and merciful, and my gratitude and praise for Him quickly rebounds. He doesn’t shame or condemn, but loves.

There will always be “weeds and pests” to contend with in the gardens we have been entrusted to steward, like distractions, worries, fears, and doubts. These “gardens” we have are our family, our health, our work, and anything we influence.

Therefore, with such treasures, we shouldn’t be surprised by, discouraged by, or anxious about the weed and pests that come to our gardens. Of course something so beautiful will be attacked.

We can expect them, and therefore, continue working faithfully to remove, and ward off the pests that will always come our way.

We needn’t complain, or give up, but pursue the good work set before us in faith.

These gardens then, in God’s grace and providence, produce fruits for sharing, caring, and nourishing.

To help me remember this fact, I decided to choose a word to define this year. A word to help refocus my priorities, my commitments, my opportunities, my hope, and my reality in my gardens. This word is gratitude.

For I am truly grateful and have zero doubt that our Lord is a good Father, cheering us on, helping us, guiding us, and directing us. He loves us, and this fact overwhelms me to praise Him with deep appreciation – and when we worship its practically impossible to worry. And this helps us get back to our gardening with joy.