It seems to me that it has taken fall a long time to get here this year. It’s been so hot and dry that I haven’t gotten half of my fall projects done. I look around and all the projects are calling at once. I am not sure how, but I better get busy and start tackling all these fall projects before winter sets in.

Actually, I have started to do some of the work…there is just too much to do in so little time. I spent one afternoon cleaning in the shed and I can move around better in there. I have targeted a few more things to go that will help to make some more improvements.

I had one quiet day in the garden. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of working out there. I still have one tomato plant still living from early spring. It is making me some fall tomatoes…that the deer are really enjoying! I cleaned out the other parts of the garden except for one row of butterbeans and two cherry tomatoes that I planted in mid-summer. I think I might get a harvest off them if the fence keeps the deer out.

There is still plenty of work to do in the flower beds and the garage needs to be cleaned out in order to bring our plants in for the winter. There are still some things I brought home last June when I retired that I haven’t dealt with yet. Why do garages seem to collect so much stuff? Well, I want to get things cleaned up before it gets cold and I have to bring in the plants.

There are some inside projects that are calling my name, too. I have applied myself to a few of them, but there are plenty more that need my time and energy. That ends up being part of the problem. I don’t feel like I have enough energy to get all these things done. That’s why I try not to bite off more than I can chew.

When I sit back and think about it, progress is slow. I want to hurry up and get it all done. My head is working way harder than my body, and all the while additional projects develop that need my attention. Some projects are getting lots of time and energy, while others are in a holding pattern while I try to build up the enthusiasm to knock them out.

I think our spiritual growth can be similar. We all want to grow spiritually strong, but we also want it to happen overnight. Bodybuilders do not grow muscles in days, or even weeks. It takes months and years of constantly working out to become buff. Spiritually it is the same. No one grows quickly; it takes time to mature spiritually.

God wants slow, steady growth like an oak tree. Oak trees can stand up against storms, while fast growing trees have a tendency to snap and break in storms. The slow, steady growth makes the tree strong. That’s the kind of growth God wants for us. God wants us strong and tested, like David, who faced both the lion and bear before he had to face Goliath.

God has a great perspective on our lives. He can see what’s up ahead. He wants to prepare us for our future. He knows the trials and difficulties we are going to face. He wants us strong, prepared, and ready, so our faith will stand the test of time. Slow, strong, tested growth produces a testimony to His greatness in our lives.

Our problem is that we live in an instant society. Pop it in the microwave. Click or call in your order at a business and it will be ready for you when you arrive. Amazon and Target have us expecting our products in two days or less. It’s a shame we can’t order spiritual growth from Amazon. True spiritual growth is not instantaneous, it requires time, effort, and seeking our Heavenly Father.

I want to encourage you to slow down and allow God to work in your life. Find out what He is working on in you and cooperate with Him. He has a plan and has your best interests at heart. He knows what you need because He can see the future. He knows how to make you strong, so join His program. I want a faith that is strong and resilient. I know that if I work with Him, I will be an overcomer and live a victorious life.