As the birds sing their morning song and the world awakes, I go to the garden to water.
Before the day has officially begun, I go to the garden to pray.
Before all the other tasks of cleaning and cooking, I go to the garden to be still.
For this water, Lord, I give thanks.
That quenches and nourishes.
That satisfies.
That brings to life.
This water overflowing for the plants, and this water of your grace overflowing for me.
This water that marks the earth,
It marks me too, as your beloved child.
For this seed, Lord, I give thanks.
For the reminder that from small beginnings we find hope.
For the darkness that brings forth the shoots and roots.
For the tiny sprout reaching towards the light.
This light that draws the seed to life.
This light that draws me to life, too.
For this flower, Lord, I give thanks.
For its and color and vibrance.
For the nectar it provides.
For the fruit it gives to the bees and birds.
For the flowers’ beauty that invites me to stop and look.
For this fruit, Lord, I give thanks.
The sweet taste of a summer tomato.
The smell of the earth bearing fruit.
The bounty that bursts from the ground.
The abundance to be shared.
Nourishment for a hungry world.
For this garden, Lord, I give thanks.
Thanks to stop and listen.
To pause and breathe.
To reflect and savor.
To see the mysteries of creation unfold before me.
And to give thanks over and over again for life that comes from humble beginnings.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website: http://kimberlyknowlezeller.com or follow her work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyKnowleZeller/
This post appeared here first: I Give Thanks
[Episcopal Cafe – Speaking to the Soul Blog]