Living Landscapes
Divots are hunks of grass and soil that get scooped out of the ground. These little pieces of sod are mostly connected with golfing because they are often removed from the ground during strokes. Golfers are encouraged to replace divots in their surrounding turf so that the grass will continue to grow and be healthy. According to the United States Golf Association, "Properly repairing divots helps the turf recover as quickly as possible and helps to restore a smooth playing surface. An unrepaired divot can take months to heal, and it may never fully recover."
I have holes in my yard. Lots of holes. There used to be planted pines before it became a homeplace. After they were cut, not all of the stumps were pulled. Over the years, they have rotted away, leaving holes. Because the ground wasn't properly repaired, we have to be careful when we are outside.
Those of us who live on the Gulf Coast are used to seeing landscapes shift and scar after hurricanes. Well-established trees can be uprooted, leaving huge pits in the ground where roots were. The trunks and branches of the trees can stay stacked up for months, waiting to be cut or moved or burned.
What happens in a flower garden or natural area when things die?
Yes, there are holes left, but there is more to it than that. Think about the other consequences. Oxygen is not created like it once was. The beauty of flowers and leaves goes away. Maybe birds find another place to sing. The respite of shade goes missing, and sources of nectar disappear. Wildlife loses habitats and food sources. New plants may be planted to take place, and they may be beautiful, but they aren't the same as the old ones. They may take years to become as established as the plants or trees that were there before.
Our living “landscape” changes all the time. Friends and family come and go, jobs vary, and locations change. The landscape in the past year has been altered more than in any time I have ever seen. Our landscape has been shifted by disease, violence, disagreements, and injustice.
More important than anything else, though, is the landscape created by people. How many people do you know who have died this past year? Maybe you've lost family, friends, and acquaintances. Perhaps you simply know of people in your community who have passed. But we have lost a lot of people.
How does that affect the landscape? Imagine the missing people themselves. They gave life and laughter and encouragement and warmth. Without them, other people – family, friends, coworkers – miss their care and emotional nourishment. The cycle doesn't stop there, however. There is yet another circle of people who need the hurting ones to reach out. The loss of one person may cause several ripples of blight because of sadness and grief.
These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:25-27
When Jesus left earth and ascended into Heaven, he knew that his disciples would be left desolate. They would not only grieve because of his absence, but they would need extra strength to keep going forward -- spreading love and preaching the good news of the gospel of Christ. Imagine the hole Jesus left in their landscape! It wasn't just a divot; Jesus was like an established tree in the center of a vast circle. His roots were deep and strong. His shade was comforting. His oxygen gave life. He created a thriving habitat for those around him. His circle of followers and family had experienced quite a trauma when Jesus was crucified. They were even put under threat of imprisonment and probably physical harm. He came back to them only to leave again! Their landscape would never be the same.
Maybe your landscape has drastically changed this past year. Perhaps it will never be the same.
In that early First Century church, God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of believers to encourage them, give them boldness, and help them heal from their past hurts. It was beautiful, but none of it happened immediately. They joined together in prayer, waiting, and seeking.
I want to join together with you in prayer right now.
I pray that you, reader, will not only find the strength to heal in the garden of your life but that you would also help to fill the gaps left in your living landscape. I pray that you would have a heart full of good memories of those you have lost. And, I pray that you would realize how powerful your influence is. If you are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells within you! He can give you strength, restoration, and guidance to heal your heart. I pray that you will help heal the hearts of others.
Finally, I pray that you will realize what a beautiful creation you are! I hope that God will give you a glimpse of your influence and impact. Your surroundings may be full of divots, stumps, or even pits, but you are still here to share your beauty, comfort, and life-giving influence. May the Holy Spirit give you grace and strength to help you repair your landscape.
