My dear friends, I hope you're all doing well on this beautiful day.

It's a pleasure to share a story with you today, one that's close to my heart and intertwined with my journey as a pastor and a traveler. So, sit back, relax, and let me take you on a little adventure.... albeit and "off-beat" one.

During the summer of 2021, I am spending the summer in Hawaii! My time is devoted to a local church, and...

One of my most cherished activities at my church is a rather unexpected one:
I water the grass.

You see, when I first inquired about this task, some questioned if it was within my calling or job description. But honestly, I couldn't resist.

I took it upon myself to water the grass, even though it wasn't in my official work covenant (an arrangement that seminary students make with the churches they serve).

There were those who disagreed with this unusual process, some who wanted nothing to do with it, and a "crew" that thought I was making a peculiar choice. They watched as I watered the grass, offering critiques without ever asking how I was doing. Of course, I didn't let it deter me.

I was doing with that grass what life was doing with me.

In fact, whenever I am outside at the church, I often find myself taking off my shoes and strolling across the grounds, not just tending to the grass. Often, I even stand and water the grass manually--without using the sprinklers--all while basking in God's creation and having heartfelt conversations with Him.

It's a beautiful experience that I treasure, a moment of quiet connection with God doing exactly with creation as creation does with us.

And...
We don't appreciate it.

You might be wondering, "Now, Pastor D, how did you end up doing this?"

The answer is simple:
The grass was dying. It needed watering, so... I water the grass.

And I do it for free, with immense joy and I don't bother with imagining and profound sense of purpose. If I'm honest, this task of watering the grass takes care of me MUUUUCH more than my little watering takes care of it!

SO!

I take my time...
enjoying every moment of it.

Now, I'm quite sure the church's security cameras capture me doing this more often than they capture me when I'm preaching, ministering, or engaging with fellow humans off campus. And, for me, this act of tending to God's creation is ministry in itself! It's a way to spread love and care to the church grounds and connect with God in a unique way that the people will appreciate.

Better I water the grass without anyone "knowing" or noticing it than the untended grass die. That would truly be noticed, right, so...

Why wait?

Why not take care of what is needed before what is needed fails and dies?

So, my dear hearts, the next time you see someone watering the grass, remember this story and know that tending to God's gardens is a labor of love, a testament to the joy of serving God and loving on His creation.

And as we embark on our journeys, let's remember to take the time for the little things that bring us closer God for people are not the only garden that need tending to.

#dRoadieAdventures

#BeingCoachD