A 'SECRET GARDEN'

When I was young, The Secret Garden was my favorite book. It was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Before it was published in 1911, it was serialized in The America Magazine. The themes are many; some of which include healing, transformation, the Importance of Nature, friendship and belonging. It is a book about children but includes healing for adults too. I love this story. While my sister April was home for 19 days, she helped me by digging holes, planting bushes, spreading mulch and many other assorted household jobs and repairs. She is the one who named what has become my ‘Secret Garden’. The picture below is my back yard. We all need healing, do we not? (And yes, God is the Ultimate Healer. He can bring it about either in our lifetime or ultimately when we meet Him in Heaven.) The book has been on my mind because of a wren who loudly complained as I weeded last week. He continues repeatedly if I am near his wren box. (Please note the right side of the picture above). Somehow he even seems to see me when I am watching him from inside the house. Beneath the bird box on the cement are the sticks the wren could not get inside his new home. He needs to get smaller sticks! I tried to convince him but he just won’t listen. The central character in the book, Mary, watched a Robin Redbird who visited her often. The little bird also showed her where the key was to the Secret Garden. (Mine has no key and I would gladly share it if it did since the very best neighbors live next door). However, I believe it can be ‘key’ to my health. Why? Because I can be still there and listen for God. Where can YOU be still and listen for God? Jeremiah 33:3 says, ‘Call to me and I will answer you’. Psalm 46:10 is ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. Matthew 11:28 states ‘Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. There are a couple versions of e-books on sale on Amazon right now for less than one dollar. They are also illustrated. Happy Reading! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joycemckeever.substack.com