“But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23 KJV)
Gardening our own vegetables and herbs is a lot of fun and work. My husband has a very good hand for this. Every plant he works on grows its fruit in abundance. This is God’s blessing. A couple of hours on the weekends of gardening is very relaxing for him as he works on the news ministry around the clock.
We needed a starter container to grow some seeds before planting them in larger ones. We went to Lowe’s in search of all that was needed. I usually wait in the car while my husband does the shopping, but the day was sunny and beautiful, I just had to get out and enjoy it.
As I walked around the garden area, I felt so sad for the people. They were wearing masks and walking and standing at a distance from one another. The attendants were also wearing masks and making sure the customers were following the COVID-19 rules.
People were very space conscious. If a customer got to close to another, one would quickly let the other know to stay at a distance. We were making sure to follow the rules and not make anyone around us uncomfortable.
As my husband finished gathering the seeds and gardening materials he needed, we headed toward the line of customers waiting to pay for their merchandise. The young man at the register was Hispanic. He did not seem to be bothered or anxious about the situation.
When it was our turn, we approached him with the cart. At the same time a young woman came to talk with him. We waited as they talked about each other’s work schedule. They did not seem to be in a hurry about the business in the garden area.
I looked at the apron the young man was wearing. I read his name on it and used it to address him. Because it was a biblical name, I said, “You have a name that is in the Bible.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Do you know Jesus as your personal Saviour?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do.”
“Good. Then you must know what all this COVID-19 is about. Right?”
“What do you mean?”
“That Jesus is coming again. Have you not thought about that? This is a sign.”
“Oh, yes. You are so right. This is true.”
“This is why all this is happening.”
“Yes, ma’am. You are right.”
I looked at the young girl, who was also Hispanic. She was listening to us.
“What about you?” I glanced at the name on her apron and looked into her eyes. They looked fearful and worried.
“You have a pretty name.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, what about you? Do you know Jesus as your Saviour, not just the Saviour of the world, which He is. But do you know Him as your personal Saviour?” The young man focused on her, waiting for her answer.
I addressed her by name. “Jesus loves you. He died on the cross for your sins. He wants you to know that He is the only answer to all this that is happening. And you want to make sure that no matter what happens, you will be in heaven. Have you ever prayed and asked Him to be your Saviour?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Would you like to?” The young man was now very still. The customers were not near us.
“Yes.”
“Would you like for me to pray with you?’’
“Yes.”
We started praying. The young man stood sweetly beside her. She prayed, receiving Jesus as her personal Saviour, thanked Him for His love and forgiveness of her sins. The young man was so happy! “Yes!” he said. He raised his head, looked up, and praised the Lord.
With masks on and at a distance my husband, the young man, the young girl, and I stood in a circle rejoicing and praising the Lord.
The young girl looked at each of us. Her eyes were at peace and wore a smile. “You have nothing to fear or worry about now. You belong to the Lord. He will care for you.”
“Thank you so much!”
“Thank the Lord!”
“Abba, Father, I was not sure about joining my husband at the store’s garden area, but the day was so beautiful. I thank and praise You for it. The day that you made caused me to get out of the car and walk about the plants. My husband may have been after seeds for gardening plants, but You, Jesus, were about the seeds of Your gospel and gardening for souls! Where can we go where You are not there after a soul? Holy Spirit, every day You are preparing hearts to hear about the Son of God. We just have to be about talking about Him with Your help. Jesus, You are always about saving a soul. Every minute! Seeds for souls! What a privilege we have to be in your harvest and bear Your fruit of salvation, Messiah.”