Chalet LAbri, May 1, 2001 a page from journalacg

Just a few days ago a letter came from Rosemary, my faithful pen-pal in New Zealand, telling of autumn on her side of the world, while here on the eastern slopes of the Massanutten spring has returned.  I was reminded that somewhere on the globe every day, new life emerges as a faithful testament of the resurrection.  From winters barren earth of my small garden in front of the chalet, I have watched with wonder this new life erupt.  Gloriosae in several hybrids, lambs ears, tickseed, lilies of the valley (already in bloom), hostas, and mystery plants (weeds?) inhabit the space.  Down on my knees last week digging, transplanting, weeding and mulching, I found a four-leaf clover a benediction.  Only a week ago I planted giant zinnia seeds and with the ample rains and sunshine, already they are out of the tomb in miniature and on their way to maturity!  Malcolm Muggeridge reminds me that properly focusing my thoughts, I shall learn great lessons from my garden:

Jesus compared a grain of seed, a tiny speck in the palm of His hand, to the Kingdom of Heaven.  What a ridiculous comparison it would seem in the eyes of anyone who did not know what a seed is and what it can become!    In point of fact, is there anything more miraculous in the universe?  That tiny speck, planted in the earth, decomposing there, under the same necessity as we are to die in order to be reborn; then putting out shoots, becoming an ear of corn, a flower more gloriously attired than Solomon, a tree even, with birds nesting in its branches.  Containing in its minute self all the mysterious potential of creation.  No wonder Jesus compared it to the Kingdom of Heaven!  No microscope however powerful, or computer analysis of seeds, their cultivation and crop-potential, helps us to understand the comparison; but down on our knees, full of the foolishness of love, straining after that light Jesus brought into the world, it becomes clear.

So I hold out my arms to my Redeemer, who, having been foretold for four thousand years, has come to suffer and to die for me on earth, at the time and under all the circumstances foretold.  By His grace, I await death in peace, in the hope of being eternally united to Him.  Yet I live with joy, whether in the prosperity which it pleases Him to bestow upon me, or in the adversity which He sends for my good, and which He has taught me to bear by His example.    Blasé Pascal, Pensees