Garden Talks
James McCarroll
Day 1 of 5: Talk to It Until It Produces
David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 (HCSB)
I used to hear stories about people who would talk to plants. I honestly thought it seemed to be a borderline psychotic thing to do. I mean, "who talks to plants?"
And then it happened — I found myself in a full dialogue (more like a ventriloquist-like monologue) with the crops.
Many conversations occur between me and the growing plants – from religion and church infrastructure to personal challenges. But the most common conversation I have with them is the motivational speech that I give daily. I remind the plants of the many lives they will change. I encourage the plants that are not growing well to not give up because their purpose is too great. Finally, I celebrate the plants that have done well. Needless to say, they are growing and producing well.
The act of speaking to oneself is not a new thing. However, in many cases, it is more unintentional than it is intentional. When we do have such conversations, they usually highlight unhealthy beliefs that we have adopted about ourselves. At the same time, we tend to outsource motivation and positive affirmation to other people.
If we want to become productive at high levels, we begin by resetting our inner dialogue. We have to encourage the hurting areas of our hearts to find hope, celebrate ourselves in moments of triumph, and finally remind ourselves daily of our unique assignment in the world around us.
How are you talking to yourself? Are you talking yourself into healthy productivity or diminishing returns? What do you need to hear from yourself today?
Heavenly Father, give me the grace to speak life to myself. Guard my tongue against any self-defeating language. Amen.
James McCarroll (He/Him)
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