Tending the Garden of the Soul

“Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year,” said evangelist Billy Graham. “It brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.” Just as summer sun coaxes blossoms from the soil, love draws forth beauty and growth from our innermost being. Without the season’s warmth, gardens would wither. Without love, our spirits would struggle to thrive.

But love and warmth alone aren’t enough — not in a backyard garden, and not in the garden of the soul. Abundance requires attention, intention, and effort. Anyone who’s spent time digging in the dirt knows the truth of Clyde Francis Lytle’s words: “Unless we know the difference between flowers and weeds, we are not fit to take care of a garden.” It’s not enough to plant seeds of truth and goodness. We must also tend the soil — removing distractions, uprooting harmful habits, and staying vigilant against anything that threatens to choke the life out of our growth.

In our spiritual lives, as in gardening, discernment helps us recognize what needs nurturing and what needs pulling. Persistence keeps us faithful through seasons of drought or slow progress. And joy — the deep joy of watching something bloom — reminds us that God is growing something beautiful in us, one day, one choice, one act of love at a time.

So this summer, as you water your plants and pull your weeds, take a moment to consider: What’s growing in the garden of your soul? What needs pruning? What needs extra care? With love, discernment, and patient tending, both our gardens and our hearts can flourish.