By Jan Penton-Miller

      The sun peeked through my blackout curtains, and I felt Winnie stirring. Another summer day had begun. I smelled coffee and stumbled toward the source smiling as I picked out one of my favorite cups. I wonder if others get such delight in not only their first cup of java, but also their mugs?

     Mike was already on the back porch where Winnie and I joined him. It had rained in the night, and the birds were trying to find a worm snack before that pesky little black and brown beast started her chase! I held beast Winnie in my lap for a few minutes giving our feathered friends a brief reprieve.

     Many things were on my mind. The assassination attempt on former President Trump, and the death of the heroic father and husband who died protecting his family were vying for attention along with my own stuff. It seemed like a lot.

I know that God says we are to be a light in a dark world. I know that, but it still seemed like a lot.

     After a bit I ambled to the garage to find my nippers. My grandiflora roses needed a little pruning in order for them to have another crop, and I took advantage of the few minutes before the heat came in with a vengeance. They also had some discolored leaves from blackspot; that dreaded rose malady. As I pruned and discarded the refuse a song came to mind.

     I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses

     And the voice I hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses

     And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own

     And the joy we share, as we tarry there none other has ever known

     I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me is falling

     But He bids me go through the voice of woe

     His voice to me is calling

    And He walks with me and He talks with me and he tells me I am His own

    And the joy we share, as we tarry there none other has ever known

     According to St. Augustine.com, In 1912 C. Austin Miles was developing film in his darkroom and waiting for the completed image. He picked up his Bible and noticed that it had fallen open to John, chapter 20. He began to read about Mary coming to the garden to visit Jesus’ tomb. Her heart sank when her beloved Savior was not there. When Jesus saw her distress He spoke to her from where He was standing nearby. Joy filled her heart when she heard His voice!

     Miles realized that this was not an experience limited to 2000 years ago, but a picture of the daily companionship with the Lord that makes the Christian’s life so rich and full of joy. He is still in the garden. He still speaks.