Because it's my turn to start the conversation on the blog, during this morning's worship I was mulling over what to post here. I had it in my mind to post about the children's story (which I loved!) because recently it seems lots of people I know are facing trials, and it was such a good reminder to listen to God, and to trust God even when it seems like we should run.
But then Rev. Clarke threw a curve ball. The sermon was about the fig tree that wasn't bearing any fruit. The owner of the garden wanted it cut down, but the gardener wanted a little time to nurture it and give it a chance to thrive. The minister described God as the Gardener, and that the Gardener is patient and wants us to thrive. Rev. Clarke talked about us coming into her (the Gardener's) sanctuary.
That one little pronoun really brought my thinking around, really pointed out to me the nurturing, caregiving characteristics of God. I'm not sure if Rev. Clarke chose that pronoun specifically, or if she was just making a point about God being the Gardener. (It is also possible that I misheard the sentence and Rev. Clarke wasn't heading in that direction at all!) I like to think of myself as understanding that God is gender neutral, that referring to God traditionally as he doesn't make him male. But to hear God referred to as her was kind of nice. A reminder that God's character has feminine aspects to it, too. That God is bigger than the box I try to fit him into.
What about you? How did you see God this morning?
Maureen.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
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I loved that, too! I mentioned it to her afterward: she definitely did it on purpose.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting, isn't it, to consider the many aspects of the Divine. We can imagine God the Son quite clearly, flesh and blood, but God the Creator, God the Father, God the Mother is far more mysterious. Envisioning God as a gardener, God as a mother hen, God as a judge, God as a Shepherd, God as a faithful and loving spouse, can help in seeing the many elements of God.
The children's story captured me because it shows the importance of not only listening and trusting but of obeying. I may listen and say I trust. Obedience requires and extra effort of the will, commitment and grace to follow. The boy in question fulfilled the three.
ReplyDeleteThe sermon by Rev. Susan Clarke also touched me with its profound, inspiring simplicity. I like the comparison of an ordinary garden to the garden of our lives. It challenges me to daily seek that quiet place where I am willing to be known, nurtured, strengthened and renewed to face life's daily opportunities and challenges. I seem to cope better and have a more positive and confident attitude.
As for the Master Gardener being referred to as «She», in the Divine realm there is no gender mentioned, though God is referred to as He and as Abba among other names. We cannot really pin Our Heavenly Father down to any one definition but we can marvel with thanksgiving at His awsomeness, discovering some of His atributes and trusting that He is at work in us, as we invite Him into the garden of our lives.