There is something deeply comforting in the idea of God as the Good Gardner. There is an ancient prayer, a quiet reminder of who God is and how God moves within us. We name Him as God of might and giver of every good gift, but the heart of the prayer reveals something even more tender: God is the One who plants goodness in us and then protects what He has planted.
We often think of the spiritual life as something we must build, maintain, or perfect. But this prayer turns us toward a different truth. It is God who puts love of His name into our hearts. It is God who deepens our sense of reverence. It is God who nurtures what is good, slowly, patiently, lovingly, like a gardener tending new growth.
And then comes the promise: God does not abandon what He nurtures. God keeps safe what He has begun.
This is who God is for us:
the One who gives,
the One who grows,
the One who guards.
Maybe today, simply rest in that. Let yourself trust the quiet work of grace already unfolding within you. Let your heart lean into God, the good gardener, who tends your goodness with watchful care.
Smitten With Goodness 