Living on granite makes for not much vegetation of the emerald-green variety. The trees and cacti and wild grasses lean to the muted side of the spectrum. Even when thriving.

My backyard Bermuda is rocking the Ireland shade, however. Thanks to fertilizer and water and more soil.

I tried the fertilizer and water combo last year. The yard never got off of square one. It felt hard. Looked hard. Spent most of the growing season never needing a haircut.

This year I took a “plus soil” approach. Spread more dirt over the entire yard. Especially in the uneven patches. I have enough leftover to do it again. And again, if necessary.

Jesus once told a parable about how His Kingdom grows (Matthew 13.3-9 & 18-23). Four different settings where His Word was sown. Only one bore an abundance of fruit – the one where His Word fell on good soil.

The beaten-down path? Nothing. On the rocks? No go. Into the weedy places? Nada.

Only when good seed meets good soil does good growth happen. 

What does good soil look like where God’s concerned? A soul that appreciates its finite humanity. A soul that grasps it’s not God. A soul longing for answers outside of itself. A soul humble enough to release the steering wheel so Jesus can drive.

Good soil is someone ready for God’s grace to fill the uneven patches again and again and again.

Where could you use some of God’s grace today? Where would you like Jesus to bring green and growth and beauty?

He’s ready. Let Him at it.