Joshua’s House

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One of my favorite things about this time of year is the gardening. It’s time to start digging in the dirt and having some great fun! Have you ever taken time to do some gardening with your kids? It’s fun for the whole family. Even if you live in an apartment and don’t have much space you can grow at least a few flowers, some herbs, or even a tomato plant in a pot inside. Here are some great ways you can help your kids get to know Jesus a little better through gardening:

Fun Idea #1

If you’re starting your plants from seeds, watch as your plants grow and learn a lesson. One thing that is vitally important to the growth of these little sprouts is sunlight. If you put your sprouts in a window sill, you will quickly notice that they lean into the light and begin to grow in the direction of the sun. Now turn the plants around. Check them the next day, and they will be leaning toward the sun again. Talk to your child about how they are just like the little sprouts. In order to be healthy and to grow up strong, they need to make sure always to be growing toward Jesus, their source of strength.

Fun Idea #2

Gardening takes a lot of responsibility. Some plants take even more care than others. As you are teaching your children about the care required for your special plants (you may even be learning yourself), talk about how Jesus is the gardener for us. There are so many parables in the Bible where God is referred to as the gardener. Why do you think Jesus uses that parallel? Don’t forget to tell your kids how much God cares for and tends them.

Fun Idea #3

Did you know that the first occupation in the Bible was a gardener? That’s right, Adam and Eve were gardeners in the garden of Eden. Read the story of creation with your children. After reading the story, talk about how you think Eden might have looked. Then plant an Eden garden of your own. (If space is limited, you can let each person pick out a plant for one or two pots.) Obviously the garden you plant won’t be close to what the original Eden was like, but whenever you and your family see it, you can be reminded of how much God loves you. You can also remember that he wants to be close to you like He was with Adam and Eve. You can thank Jesus for the beauty that He has given us here on Earth and for how much more beautiful things will be in Heaven.

How About You?

Share some ways that you like to share Jesus with your kids through gardening. It’s always great to learn more about Jesus and His love!