STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

The Parable of the Dirty Hands:

Once two sisters lived in adjacent houses—one was a gardener and the other was not. Early each morning, the younger sister went out to tend to the soil. There was always something to do in her vegetable garden and flower beds. Within minutes, the sister's hands would become dirty. Although she had multiple pairs of gardening gloves, she rarely used them, preferring to feel the soil between her fingers.

In contrast, the older sister never got dirty. She didn't garden at all and thought it was a waste of her time. Each day she slept while her sister was working outside.

Each year as spring moved into summer, the yards behind the sisters' homes transformed. Green growth flourished in both backyards. That is where the similarity ended.

In the yard of the younger sister, everything was tidy. She mowed the lawn and pruned the bushes. Annual flowers bloomed throughout the season. She would cut small bouquets and give them to neighbors.

Her garden produced cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. She also generously shared this produce with others. Year after year, the sister with the dirt under her nails created a beautiful sight to behold.

In the yard of the older sister, there was disorder. Weeds ran wild, and the grass was usually overgrown. Gnarly bushes grew without restraint into distorted shapes.

Without flowers or vegetables, the yard produced nothing for the table or to share with neighbors. By the end of the summer, the yard of the sister with the clean hands was an eyesore.

Everyone who listens to God's invitation to be a good steward will be like the sister with the dirt under her nails. They will rise each morning and tend to the soil, working it until it produces abundantly. They will also be generous and share what they have grown with others. Beauty will accompany them throughout life, and they will be joyful.

A Question to Ponder:

Where in your life do you need to get your hands dirty so that things will flourish?

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God,

help me to get started. Motivate me to participate in your creative action that produces abundantly. Give me a generous heart so that I might share with others.

Through Christ, Amen.