JULY 2020
IN A PERFECT WORLD
I have one goal every summer – nurture the perfect pot of flowers. The perfect pot contains the perfect flowers, sits in the perfect spot on the patio, and grows in perfect symmetry. Flower paradise.
Of course, the forces of evil align against the perfect pot. Weeds, pests, heat, wind, squirrels – these enemies of perfection collaborate to defeat me. Because of these wicked rivals, it is too much to hope for a perfect garden, I settle for just one pot of beauty, harmony, and excellence. My little backyard utopia.
My pursuit of horticultural magnificence brings job security. There is always one more task. Weeding. Watering. Fertilizing. Pruning. More weeding. The work never ends and sometimes I grow weary, but I never give up hope that one day it will be just as it is supposed to be.
I want a perfect world: perfect relationships, perfect health, and perfect justice. I grieve over the brokenness. I pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN!” I endeavor to do what is right. I battle spiritual forces of evil aligned against excellence. I work to make the world better and sometimes I grow weary, but I never lose hope that one day it will be just as it is supposed to be.
One verse in particular inspires me to press on. Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion!” God finishes what God starts. Perfection is coming. Until then, keep weeding the garden.
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
