Volunteer Tomatoes

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

Earlier this year, I wrote about my garden’s blessings, which included thirty-seven tomato plants, grown from seed. I delighted in each phase of their growth – lovingly staking them up as they became taller – taking pictures as they reached shoulder height. The plants were robust and full of life – until they weren’t. 

What previously appeared healthy lay dead in days – obliterated by unseen enemies from within and without. I went from planning a fruitful harvest with a crop to share with friends and neighbors to praying that God would allow a remnant of plants to remain. He didn’t. There were no survivors. Of my thirty-seven tomato plants, twenty cabbages, a wall of vertical watermelons, twelve summer squash, and two rows of wax beans, I gleaned two quarts of beans – one of which I gave away – and a handful of cherry tomatoes. 

Along with septoria leaf spot and early blight, bacterial wilt attacked my plants from within, causing their stalks to fill with slime and leaves to wilt as if they lacked water. Once external signs were evident, my plants generally died within three days. 

As sad as it was to see my hard work obliterated, I focused on the remembered joy of watching my plants grow, even as I accepted that my efforts to preserve them were in vain. With each dead plant I pulled from my garden, the words of Job 1:21 resounded in my head: “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 

They are only plants, I thought, and I don’t have to rely on them for food. I am incredibly blessed, despite this disappointment. 

Yesterday, I planned to weed my garden in preparation for a winter crop of kale – one of the few vegetables that remained unaffected by any of the diseases that obliterated nearly everything else. I’d seen potatoes regrowing from forgotten plants, and I’d allow those to keep growing, but the watermelon vines that were lingering would have to go. 

As I began pulling weeds, a familiar leaf shape caught my eye, and I laughed to find three “volunteer tomatoes” growing where dead tomatoes had fallen. Although I had given up on my plants, God saw fit to breathe new life into my garden. Against all odds, the watermelon vines were also hiding two unexpected melons, of decent size. 

How like the Creator to bring unexpected blessings to my world. I could take no credit for the growth of these “volunteers,” but God can. While I often think my beautiful yard, organized life, and bank account are evidence of my sacrificial efforts, the truth is that everything good in my life is a blessing from God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.” (James 1:17) What an outstanding reminder that the things I surrender control of often yield the most unexpected blessings. 

While the devil seeks to attack me from within and without, God is in total control of my life. I need to remember this lesson daily. A dear friend gave me a sign for my birthday that reads, “Give it to God, and go to sleep.” What sound wisdom there is in that simple statement. 

“You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Each day was recorded in your book.” (Psalm 139:16) God’s plan for my life was predetermined before I was even a thought. I need to pray and ask Him to reveal the steps I should take as He guides me into the future. 

God alone knows what’s ahead. I will trust that He will reveal His blessings when He is ready and His protection when the time is right. Until then, I will rejoice in each new “volunteer” as it is presented to me. I surrender to His will over my life. May you do the same.