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Lenten Devotions

Day 29: Written by Sandy Madsen

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“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him.” James 1:5

Praying is talking to God; meditation is listening for the answer.  Often my nature does not lend itself to being calm long enough to listen for the answers to my prayers.  Years ago when preparing for my daughter’s graduation party, I asked her what she wanted.  She said, “A calm mother.” I still need to work at becoming calm enough to hear God’s answers.  Perhaps that is why I enjoy gardening so much.  A sense of calm often passes over me when I am out in nature, working with the soil and growing plants.

After traveling on several of the Bethel mission trips to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, I felt a nudge to do something more.  So when I was asked to assist some of their residents with gardening, I prayed for guidance.  At first I felt uncomfortable about teaching adults.  I am a retired teacher, so I feel more comfortable teaching children.  I was also worried about not understanding their culture.   After checking with our extension agent, she assured me respectful and encouraging behaviors work with all age levels and all cultures.  She encouraged me to go.

Then I needed some helpers.  My husband agreed to go.  Then I asked several fellow gardeners to join us, but they couldn’t.  I was getting discouraged and prayed some more.  Just then God sent me a dear Bethel friend who also felt a nudge to help out along with her husband. Soon we heard of another Bethel couple that was also going to Pine Ridge that weekend.  I started believing that God was really guiding us to make this mission happen.

God sent some financial support from church for all the materials we needed. The Menard’s salesman also gave us a large discount on the boards needed for building raised beds.  Then several members helped out with many plants.

On the way out, we were hauling the Bethel trailer with our truck. When we got as far as Winner, SD our truck lost power and a dash light came on.  We pulled into the Ford dealer and a serviceman came out, checked what the light meant, fixed it and didn’t charge us the nearly $100 fee.  He could see the Bethel logo on the side of the trailer and wished us well on our mission trip.

We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went on the reservation.  We carried out our gardening mission at 12 homes, which were spread out in various parts on the reservation. During our two workdays, we planted raised beds and lots of pots, rototilled, and gave away every one of the hundreds of plants that we brought. It felt very rewarding to share our skills with others.  All of the residents were very gracious and thanked us many times for all that we did.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for sending answers to our prayers, which encourage us to become Your servants. Help us to always ask for guidance in all parts of our lives. Amen.

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