My interest and ability in gardening is only mildly remarkable—especially considering I grew up in a family that did not garden. I do remember showing a keen interest in my grandparents' garden. And one of my first jobs as a bumbling teen was to help my Aunt Helen in her gargantuan garden.

My interest in gardening grew gradually with experience over the years. But I think my interest goes deeper because Jesus, our Creator and Savior, is a most insightful observer of how his creation grows. He uses examples from nature to make important points in his teaching.

As Jesus sits on a mountainside teaching his fickle followers and the distractible crowd, his sharp eyes light on the splendor of nearby wild flowers. Considering them, Jesus makes a stunning comparison that produces a simple and profound life lesson. In God's garden, fretting and wearisome work are not only unnecessary but are actually a counter-productive insult flung in the face of our caring Creator. If God renders such beauty from nature, will he not care for you?

This month, we'll follow Jesus' counsel to "consider" how we grow and are being formed in God's garden. Although you may not feel at home in an actual garden, the beauty and glory of life have deep roots in our souls, which need to find their home in the Lord.