This year has been a hard season for the garden. The warmth and sun of summer did not show up until the end of July. The prolonged cold and rain of May and June took a heavy toll on the garden. Furthermore, I have not had the time to spend cultivating the garden this year.
Relationships go through “seasons.”
In one “season” a relationship might be vibrant, flourishing, and healthy … much like our garden was last year.
But seasons change. Life is hard. And a once flourishing relationship might wind up going through a season much like our garden is having this year.
It’s ok. It’s ok if a relationship is in a “dry” season.
Perhaps the one with whom you are in relationship might be going through a really tough time of difficulty and hardship. Perhaps their job is on the rocks, or they might have been laid off. Perhaps they are in a season of loss and grief. Perhaps you are the one suffering and struggling.
The thing about our garden this year is that even though it is not what it was last year, it is still producing. The beans might be pitiful-looking, climbing up tomato cages instead of a nice support structure … but at least the beans are still producing. Even though the harvest is just a little bit, they are still producing. And that’s all that matters.
The same is true in relationships. Even though a relationship might be in a “season” of hardship and trial, it can still be productive. There can still be warmth and acceptance in the relationship. There can still be support and strength. There can still be growth.
And it doesn’t matter what other people’s “relational garden” looks like. I’m sure there are other people in the Pacific Northwest who have fabulous gardens this year … even though my garden is struggling. I cannot compare my garden to theirs. Their garden is located in a different place. Their soil is different. The time they have to spend cultivating their garden is different.
The same is true in relationships. Don’t worry about other people’s “relational garden.” Their relationship is completely different. Their life situation is different. Their time constraints are different.
The only thing that matters is how faithful we are to care for the “relational garden” God has entrusted to us.
What “season” is your “relational garden” in right now?
