For the first time in our lives, Rhonda and I are growing a small garden.  Neither of us grew up in homes that had gardens and frankly we've never had much interest in them.  But, the home we purchased, here in Canton, had a small garden plot in the backyard and so we thought; "let's give it a try." 

 

Frankly, things don't seem to be going so well.  But its OK.  It's our first time and we'll get better as the year's go along.

 

For some people, sometimes I wonder if reading the Bible isn't a bit like gardening for Rhonda and I?  That is to say while most people truly believe the Bible is the Word of God and can be a source of wisdom, truth and comfort for daily living, so many of us don't turn to it on a regular basis.  In the same way, even though Rhonda and I have always known that a garden could provide wonderful produce for our home, we've never given it a try because we felt like we wouldn't know what to do and most likely, we wouldn't get anything out of it.  But even though, things aren't going great this year, we are eventually going to get some great vegetables and herbs and we already have learned quite a few lessons that will help us next year.

 

Like gardening, reading the Bible is a skill that is developed over time.  Yet, also like gardening, anyone, with a little perseverance and committment can do it.  If you've been meaning to take reading the Bible a little more seriously, here are some tips:

 

1) Reading the Bible is better with someone rather than doing it alone.  Ask your spouse, a friend, a neighbor, maybe even a young person you might know.  Reading the Bible together is fun and makes the fruits of your labor all the sweeter.

 

2) Start with some of your favorite stories or passages and go from there.  The Bible is a collection of books and even some of the books of the Bible are collections of letters or writings.  It isn't a book that needs to be read from beginning to end in sequential order.  Start anywhere you like.  I love Luke's Gospel and the New Testament letter known as Ephesians.  I also love the book of Genesis.

 

3) Be patient.  Like my garden, your first few attempts might not produce a lot of fruit.  But I promise if you stick with it, you will become a master gardener of Bible reading and receive an abundance of the blessings that God wants to give us through this marvelous book.

 

Happy Gardening!