When I was growing up I would spend a couple of weeks during my summer vacation with my grandparents. I really looked forward to those times. Almost everyone in our part of the country grew a garden and it was no different with my grandparents. It didn’t make any difference if you were at home or at grandma’s house, you were expected to work in the garden.

I was reminded time and again of the story of the little hen that asked the other barnyard animals to help her plant and tend her garden, then help her prepare a delicious meal. The other animals refused and made excuses to stay away until all the work was done and it was time to eat. When that time came the little hen refused them that delicious meal because they had not been willing to help do the work to make it possible.

I must admit that I did not look forward to working in the garden. However, I really enjoyed eating the fresh produce that it yielded. It was in this season of my life that I learned the valuable lesson of working for what you have.

I can remember only one family in our community that was not physically disabled that would accept handouts. Everyone believed that you only get out of life what you are willing to put into it.

There are two very real parts to our existence; physical and spiritual. Working to have something is a physical truth; but did you know that the most important thing that we need, in our spiritual life, is not available by our hard work? Or that this free gift in our spiritual life is something that will enable us to be diligent and productive in our physical life? Does it seem backward to you that what you do not work for is the very thing that can give you the desire to work, be productive, and make our life enjoyable?

These and other life questions will be addressed Sunday morning as “The Gathering Place Family” meets in the Washington Junior High School Library for Bible Study at 9 a.m. and in the gymnasium at 10 a.m. for our Pre-Service Connection where we enjoy coffee, juice and donuts. Our Worship Service and Children’s Church then begins at 10:30 a.m. Come at 7 p.m. and be part of our Wednesday night Bible Study and Children’s Ministry on the third floor above Trends at 120 W. Court St. in Washington Court House.