In my backyard I recently installed a new raised garden bed with irrigation built-in. I excitedly planted seeds for all kinds of vegetables and a few flowers: peas, carrots, radishes, lettuces, leeks…

Right after I planted all that, I went out of town for almost two weeks.

Upon my return, one of the first things I did was run out to my garden to see how it grew. The good news was that nearly everything had sprouted. The bad news was that they were all still so minuscule. Each plant was barely more than a sprout.

I like gardening, but I don’t like the patience it requires. When I tuck a seed into the soil, I would love to see immediate results. But that’s not the way God designed life to work.

I also get frustrated in my life when I don’t see results right away. When I put in the effort to get stronger, lifting weights and doing squats, all I seem to get is sore muscles. When I consistently do kind things for a grumpy neighbor, all I seem to get are frowns and continued disdain. When I pray for a friend in great pain, their situation just seems to worsen.

“Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your unplowed ground. It is time to seek the Lord until he comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.” (Hosea‬ ‭10‬:‭12,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God sees what I don’t. He sees the changes that are happening in the seeds I have sown. He sees the beauty that is forming below the ground. He sees the muscles that are developing, the heart that is softening, the lives that are moving toward Him ever so slowly.

“Patience,” He tells me. One day the sprout will appear, the plant will mature, and fruit will ripen for a beautiful bountiful harvest. His righteousness will pour down if I can be patient and consistent in my sowing and seeking.

Dear God, thank you for the promise of blessing after I patiently sow the seeds of love. Thank you for the little plants that have sprouted in my garden. Reveal the sprouts in my life. Teach me patience as I watch them grow, knowing you are faithfully working behind the scenes in all things.