An old story tells of a country pastor who had created a very beautiful garden. He had removed the old decaying trees and replaced them with healthy young saplings. He had dug granite stones from the hillside and built steps and walkways throughout the garden.

A clear stream ran through the garden and supplied a sparkling pool. There were bright red roses, colorful flowering trees, and lovely fountains.

One day, a local farmer came by and stopped to marvel at the magnificent garden.

He said to the pastor, "This is truly a beautiful garden that you and God have created! You must be very proud of it!"

"Thank you for the compliment!" replied the pastor. "But it's taken a lot of time and effort. You should have seen the place when God had it all to Himself!

Patience Versus Waiting

Patience is necessary. Like a seed, every thought held in mind has its unique period of germination - sometimes years - before it will manifest.

People often want the fruits of success, but they don't ever get around to planting its seeds. God works through the actions of people. Our lives are a reflection of how we have used the unique gifts and talents the Creator gave us.

I'm reminded of a line by T.S. Eliot: "Here I am, an old man in a dry month, being read to by a boy, waiting for rain."

How many lives are wasted by waiting... waiting for a big break... for a spell of luck... for the perfect day... for an end to dry, unfulfilling routines...

...waiting without a plan or sense of purpose... waiting for tomorrow... waiting for a pot of gold at the rainbow's end?

Faith-filled achievement works through planned, disciplined action. It works by attracting those things of which we are confident and grateful for receiving. It works through commitment and resolve while moving toward things not yet seen.

It's easy to think that there will be plenty of time later to begin doing the things we've always wanted to do. Then in the blink of an eye, the years vanish as if they were snatched away by a thief in the night.

Suddenly it's "a dry month" and the person is doing a mental double take, waiting on the promises he made to himself twenty years ago.

Neil Peart described the futility of inaction with the words:

"Waiting for the winds of change to sweep the clouds away. Waiting for the rainbow's end to cast its gold your way... You don't get something for nothing."

Now is the only time in which we live. Only our choices and actions today will bring the rainbow's end with any gold it might contain.

Begin Planting Your Golden Seeds Today

The good news is that it's not too late to begin. It's not too late to reach for the calling you've always felt deeply within your heart.

Imagine the dream of your lifetime as a beautiful garden. Imagine in vivid detail any textures, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes it will bring. Now imagine that you are going to tell a friend what you have created. How would you describe your creation?

Begin today with this mental blueprint for a great tomorrow. Plant the seeds of faith, and then nourish them with intention, commitment, action and resolve.

The Creator has placed within you all you need to realize your dream. Don't wait for the end of the rainbow, but do start planting your golden seeds today.

Start creating the most "beautiful garden" you can imagine. You deserve a pot of gold, and through your actions you will find it!

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