“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15
I just sat down after watering the grass and bushes we’re trying to plant all around our home. These little patches of green are our humble effort to stop the flooding around the house and prevent the corrosion of the land. As I rested, feeling the dirt under my nails and the cool evening breeze on my face, I thought to myself: this year is going to be different.
We’ve never had a house before. When we moved to Uganda, we rented small apartment or houses without any garden or land to speak of. Now, for the first time, we have a piece of earth to call our own—a plot of land we’re responsible for. And as we began to care for it, to cultivate it, I realized something profound: there is joy in tending to what God has entrusted to us.
Normally, the amount of work would consume me, even during the holiday. But it is so important in our busy lives to find joy in what He has given us and blessed us with—and to take an active part in it. Our life here can be very stressful and busy. Most days, we work 12 hours straight. By the time evening rolls around, we collapse into bed, maybe watch a bit of TV, or try to catch up on housework. And if I’m honest, I’ve often found myself grumbling about how slow things move, how much is still undone, how endless the to-do list seems. But when school finished for the term, I made a promise to myself: it’s time to slow down and live differently.
We have been so blessed to live in this place. God has trusted us with this home, this land, and this mission. And I’ve come to see that caring for what He’s given us is more than a duty; it’s an act of worship. Every time I water the grass, plant a tree, or tend to a flower, I’m reminded of His creation and His abundant blessings.
This morning, as I was dragging heavy logs from behind our house, I kept repeating out loud: “He trusts me that I will take care of this place.” It was hot, I was sweaty, covered in dirt, and starting to smell like the logs themselves. My arms ached, and I was painfully aware of the mountain of paperwork waiting for me as the school term slowly begins. If anyone had passed by, they might have mistaken my words for a pep talk or a desperate plea for strength. Yet somehow, in the midst of the mess, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. There I was, battling logs like they were my sworn enemies, while clinging to the truth that God trusts me with this land—even if it doesn’t always feel like I have it under control.
It’s so easy to get consumed by the demands of life—work, responsibilities, people, distractions. But taking even a few moments to pause and reflect can bring such clarity and peace. These moments, these simple acts of gratitude, have transformed my mornings. Waking up early to water the grass and thank Him for all He’s given us has become a cherished habit. It’s in these quiet moments that I feel closest to Him. I’ve come to see that our stewardship of His blessings extends to every part of life. For us, it’s our mission and the funding that supports it. For our teachers, it’s the wisdom and love they pour into their students. For you, it might be your work, your family, your home. Whatever He has placed in your hands, He’s asking you to care for it, to cherish it, and to glorify Him through it.
Genesis 2:15 tells us:
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
This verse reminds us of our role as stewards of His creation. From the very beginning, God entrusted us with the responsibility of tending to His work—not just the land, but also the people, relationships, and opportunities He places in our lives. This journey of cultivating land has taught me to cultivate gratitude. And I think that’s exactly what God intended. He wants us to find joy in His creation, to care for it with love, and to worship Him through our stewardship. Let’s not take these moments, these opportunities, for granted. Whether it’s tending to the earth, nurturing a relationship, or fulfilling our calling, let’s do it with gratitude and joy, knowing that in these acts, we honour Him.
With Love Dana