Red Clay

I did not realize that this part of North Carolina had so much red clay until I moved here and began gardening. Previously I had spent time in the North Carolina mountains where the soil is different. I assumed it would be the same in the Piedmont. And then I started digging.

Sarah and I did a bit of gardening in Florida, but not very much. The sandy soil and the tropical climate limited what you could grow- and what you grew usually looked the same all year!. We have been excited to plant in a place that has four seasons and more moderate temperatures.

I’ve learned that it takes a bit of work to dig holes in this red clay. And I assume that the plants have to work a bit harder as their roots grow and spread. Yet even in the tough soil, some of the most beautiful plants have begun to grow. This reminded me that just like plants, we too can grow through adversity. When is the last time you went through something really tough? Something you didn’t plan on? Something you would not want to go through again?

I’ve learned that nobody wants to go through challenging times in life, but that it is often during these challenging times that we grow the most.

One of my favorite quotes talks about this very thing:

-Peter Marshall

Or as Paul put it in his letter to the Romans:
“We can rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” -Romans 5:3-4

If you are in a time of life when you are digging through red clay, remember what can grow through rough soil. Remember that God is always working in you, through pain as well as joy, to form your character and give you hope.

See you on Sunday!

-Pastor David