The Agony in the Garden

Last spring, we undertook a major renovation of our garden. A garden expert designed the plan and worked with us to select plants and bushes. Soil was tilled, fertilized, and tilled some more. The result was wonderful—flowers and fragrances all over, with songbirds, hummingbirds, and four kinds of bees descending upon our yard.

Then came the great drought of 2012—soaring temperatures and no rain for months. I spent an enormous and agonizing amount of time watering. I learned that gardening can be both an ecstasy and an agony.

I think of another garden, another time, and another kind of agony. This garden was more an orchard; its name means “oil press.” It was familiar to Jesus and his disciples, the place they came to rest, to talk, and to pray.

But not this night.

To continue reading, please see my Lenten devotional at The High Calling today.