PLANTING
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

"Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop." 2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT

Our garden is planted.

The tomatoes are out. The peppers are nestled into the soil. Okra seeds are settled in after an overnight soak. Zucchini and yellow squash are hilled in. Zinnias are sown. A cucumber plant sits quietly below it's trellis awaiting big things to happen.

And our 20 foot row of green beans is planted.

All 19 seeds of it.

One seed every foot.

Just like I've done for the past seven years.

We're planting a few seeds and expecting a small crop...for two reasons:

1. Green beans are not our favorite vegetable. Sure, we eat them, but on my family's list of garden-grown, it ranks lower than other things, thus a short row and small crop.

2. Blame it on my Dad. Dad used to plant what seemed to my young eyes a four-mile long row of green beans. It took days to weed, weeks to pick and months to help Mom can up. So I always plant a short row!

I don't expect a 10-acre bounty from my 20 foot row.

I don't plan on being able to provide DelMonte with enough green beans for their nearest canning factory.

I don't anticipate being overwhelmed with green beans, eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner until the plants exhaust themselves.

I look forward to having enough for several 'messes' of beans for the table and several opportunities to share green beans with neighbors and friends.

Reminds me, with every green bean seed I plant, of what I expect out of the love I offer others, the grace I extend, the mercy I offer...if I give a little, I'll get a little.