In The Garden

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:44(KJV)

The question was once asked, "Have you ever thought of your life being a garden? If we had come to the conclusion, that yes, we could in some ways consider our life as a garden, then that might lead us to ponder a few other questions, as well.

What seeds are you planting? What fruit is being brought forth? What fragrances are you leaving behind?

Frederick Law Olmsted was a world renowned landscape architect. Some of his life's work produced some of the most exquisite gardens in the world. Those fragrances~~left behind in the gardens and grounds of a world famous attraction~~are still bringing joy and inspiration to thousands of visitors to the Biltmore Estate each year.

Another life that continues to bless and inspire people all around the world is that of Helen Steiner Rice, "America's beloved inspirational poet laureate". Her writings of God's love for mankind continue to bring hope, faith, and love to countless souls, long after her life on earth has passed. Truly, a garden of inspiration.

In telling the story of the lives of those who have left us gardens of inspiration, there is one that inspires above all others. It is the story of a man who came to a garden long ago.He didn't come to the garden for his own enjoyment, but to do what he referred to as a young boy as, "I must be about my Father's business".

 Before going to this garden it was said of him,

 "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief".

He began at an early age sowing the seeds that would eventually flourish and become the, "bread of life", for all who would trust him. He left a sweet fragrance behind that all of mankind would have a chance to become recipients of. He faced a life altering experience in that garden that no man has ever had to, nor ever can be asked to face.

As he knelt alone in the garden, he didn't think about himself,

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God".

He looked forward to the fact that because of the sweet fragrance of his life and sacrifice, many would win the battle over a disease greater than cancer. They would be able to be victorious over sin and it's consequences. The apostle Paul stated,

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Of all the lives who have left us garden fragrances, none is greater than,

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".  John 15:13.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved".  John 3:16-17

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved".  Romans 10:13


I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known