“There’s no place for me at the Giving Garden.” That’s a phrase I frequently hear tossed about and I understand. I have 2 replaced knees and getting down in the dirt is not the easiest place for me either, so I thrive in the distribution side of the garden with some wonderful people who love to sort and deliver produce. But one of our faithful delivery teams has been a lesson in how God can use us when we might not see the plan.
Last summer, I was looking for someone or some people who would take on some of our longer routes…a weekly delivery to our friends at the Branch in Antioch, our friends at Ebenezer UMC in West Nashville and to Nashville Food Project if David was unavailable to pick up. One of our faithful gardeners, Mary Charles Lasater, mentioned that her adult son who happens to live with autism likes car rides but she likes having a destination and not just driving aimlessly. And just like that, Justin, our favorite “Delivery Dude” found his God-given place at the Giving Garden. Several people will help Mary Charles load her Subaru while Justin waits to take off on another adventure and make their delivery. The smile on his face and Mary Charles’ satisfaction of being able to do a meaningful job together fill the Giving Garden with joy and we all say, “Thank you God for showing us Justin’s place at the Giving Garden.”
We have so many missions that need you and have a place for you…give God the opportunity to find your place adn discover the joy just like Justin and his sweet mom.
~Janie Luna, Giving Garden Volunteer
P.S. The Annual Giving Garden Kickoff is coming up on Saturday, April 20 from 9 to 11 am. Come hear a blessing over the new growing season, have some light breakfast items, maybe take a tour of the garden, and if you’re up to it, a little dirt therapy!