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The tools we use in the garden can make a huge difference in our results. Using a tractor to till a large area is faster and more efficient than using a hand tiller, but a hand tiller can get a small area without damaging the surroundings. Throughout the year, there are jobs that require different tools for planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, canning, etc. Using the right tools the right way and utilizing available resources can make a task easier and provide better results.

I prefer to use manual tools rather than chemical options to be safer for my kids, animals, and the environment. Weeding is a never-ending task, but using a trimmer, tiller, or by hand-pulling, we can keep weeds under control. There are some weeds that grow with the seeds I’ve planted that I have to be very careful removing, or just leave them, lest I uproot and kill my seedling. My asparagus was planted from seed this year, and I had a stressful time trying to remove the weeds after being gone for a week. That was definitely a “pull by hand” weeding job.

We use the tractor tiller at the beginning or end of the season to incorporate fertilizer into a large area. However, with proper spacing in the back garden, we can till between the rows of corn, beans, okra, potatoes, and onions with the walk behind tiller.  There are some very fun tools you can buy for your garden, but fancy doesn’t always mean better. All you really need is a shovel, your hands, and some seeds.

Along with using the proper tools is using proper resources. I garden in Zone 6b, so I keep that in mind when I’m looking at what I can grow. There are books, magazines, social media groups, and garden clubs that are all great resources to grow your best garden. Sure, you can stumble through season after season and learn from experience what will and won’t work in your garden, but by failing to ask for help and utilize resources, you can waste a lot of time, money, and effort. Additionally, if you are preserving food, it is not a process you should stumble through. The proper equipment, temperature, and ingredients are crucial to preserving food safely. I love seeing a beautiful row of blackberry jelly that we can gift to friends and family but I would never want to share preserves that aren't safe.

In the end, your garden doesn't have to be pretty, or organized, to bring you joy or feed your family, and maybe your neighbors!

In the Garden of our Ministry: Using Our Tools Wisely

There is a question I get asked a lot when it comes to ministry with young adults: “What program should I use for young adult ministry?”

I often disappoint the questioner when I say that the perfect program simply doesn’t exist. In fact, it will never exist because there is no substitute for rolling up our sleeves and doing the messy work of relationship building and accompaniment.

The truth is, we rely heavily on programming and tools when it comes to ministry. And while there is no perfect program, there are still some great ones out there! Sacrament workbooks, video series, small group studies – there are more than enough to choose from. Sometimes it can even seem paralyzing when it comes to choosing one versus another.

The important thing to remember is that these tools are simply that. They are just tools. A tool is created for a particular purpose, and they are only as effective as the people using them and the intention with which they are used. So don’t stress too much on picking the non-existent “perfect” program.

It matters more how we use our tools versus which ones we use.

When we minister…do we build relationships with our young people? Do we allow space for reflection? Do we teach them to pray? Do we pray with and for them? Are we open to uncomfortable questions? Are we okay with not knowing the answers or the right thing to say? Do we make space for silence? Do we have fun? Do we trust that the Lord is working?

Like in Molly’s garden, relying solely on quick and efficient programming in our ministry might do more harm than good – no matter how well-intentioned we are. Let us keep in mind that there is no silver bullet.

The goal is to invite young people into a space of prayer, listen to them, call out their gifts, build relationships, and facilitate an encounter the Lord. If a program or another tool helps make that possible, use it! But never let a program take the place of you – your witness to the work of the Lord in your life and the unique and unrepeatable way you can love with the heart of Christ.