Monday, MAY 9, 2022

DAY 8

LET’S EAT SALAD

by Sheree Flowers

Yesterday, Pastor Mario spoke on the topic, Break a Sweat.

Last week, we spoke on the persons, purpose and promise of marriage, all in an effort to know who, what and why.

This week, we will talk about the How I love visiting the farmer’s market…

It is a buzzing place of sights, sounds and smells that allows you to get up close and personal with the farmers themselves, who are usually not shy in talking about this year’s harvest.

One time I was invited by a farmer to visit her farm to see how my beloved salad pack is created.I was astonished into all of the work that goes into preparing the soil prior to planting, once planted, it was watered daily both in the early morning and evening so that the ground and leaves had the best opportunity of being hydrated without getting scorched from the sweltering Bahamian sun.

I noticed that to also help from extreme temperatures, the leaves were sheltered for protection.

Walking through the plots, there were pretty plants in between rows of tomatoes and leafy greens, curious, I asked about their placement, thinking I was going to get pretty petals to add to my salad. I was told, they are for the bees. Bees are important for cross pollination which is important to yielding full sized vibrant crops.

Farming assistants often checked closely for little bugs that can chew up/deface the leaves ensuring a picturesque display for harvest which is collected within 24 hours of market.

After the final harvest, hemp trees are planted all around not only for nutrients but to provide rest and coverage to the soil by shielding the earth from the sun, preventing the soil from drying out and becoming hardened.

That day I really appreciated the intentionality and “WORK” that goes into the salad that I so enjoy every winter. I asked if at anytime it was too much work to maintain. I was surprised by her answer. “It breaks a sweat, yes, but consistency and intentionality is important to maintenance and reward.”

What if we took the same focus and intentionality to our marriage,
For those waiting for marriage, preparing the soil of their hearts in advance, knowing the state of their finances and getting rid of debt, healing past trauma and forgiving others.

How many of us are going daily without daily watering our spouse with Words of Affirmation and Prayer first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Do we check in with each other often to know the state of our marriage and see if there are any little pesky bugs that can destroy the vine? Are we protecting our love from the harsh and extreme nature of social media and the like?

Are we planted near other couples in small groups for cross pollination of the true Word of God?

And in seasons where it feels like it is dry (yes there will be seasons like this) how are we protecting the soils of our heart and love?

Who knew a salad could teach us so much about marriage.

Prayer

God, we love your consistency and intentionality with us, your children. Help us to be examples of this love, consistency and intentionality towards each other as we navigate the seasons of marriage. We thank you that you have provided the ultimate blueprint of care in your Word and in The Garden. Give us wisdom to apply the knowledge for a continual harvest to your Glory.
In Jesus name, Amen

Reflection:

1. Complete the next steps as Pastor Mario laid out yesterday at service. If you did not get a chance to listen to the sermon, please go to the App for the link.
2. Come back tomorrow for Day 9.