You might recall that in an earlier reflection I mentioned the fact that my family planted a vegetable garden in May. That garden has done very well with huge vegetable plants expanding in every direction. We have harvested broccoli on a number of occasions as well as zucchini and cucumbers. Currently the sunflower stalks are about 10 feet high and growing higher each day. The tomatoes look like bushes with small tomatoes beginning to grow bigger and bigger.

As I was reflecting on the weather in relation to these plants, I thought about the lesson it could teach me.

You see, it has been an interesting weather experience since May. First, we had lots of rain, then no rain and lots of hot sun, and then lots of rain again.

Enduring all of it were these remarkable plants. Despite the uncertainty of that weather and threat of possible insect infestations and grazing from rabbits and other wildlife, the plants did what they were called by God to do. Grow and flourish.

Despite all we humans face in the uncertainty in today’s complicated world, we should do what God asks us to do. Grow. Grow in faith.

We should not let worries cause us to lose faith. Simply trust in Jesus.

Like with a vegetable garden, we will face good times and very hard times. Through it all we are called to grow in faith loving God and each other.

May God give each of us this grace!

The noun, rumination, means a deep considered thought about something.

-By Deacon Tom Gryzbek