“In this Fellowship we celebrate the beauty and wisdom of slow, because we are all about gardens, not jungles,” Yinney explained. “Our Lord loves a pleasant garden. There is peace in a garden, not strife, not worldly ways. The world is a jungle. We do not copy the world. We are a refuge from that rat race. Peace be unto you, our Lord loved to say.”
It was another day of teaching and he was explaining to the three macaws, Lu-Lu, Me-Me, and Jo-Jo, that he was about to go out on three day trips to spread the word of his 7th Day Tree. “However,” he explained, “this will be done very slowly. Fast growth is not what we seek. Weeds love fast. Weeds love speed. Weeds will overcome a garden very quickly and choke it out. People make the mistake of seeking fast growth. They see it as a sign of success, but how can you develop leaders for small groups that quickly? Leaders you know well enough to set in a position of leadership? How can you get to know your people very well so quickly? There is no depth! Depth requires time. True relationships require time.”
“Every garden needs constant weeding. There will be those we send away with an invitation to come back if they decide they want to share ‘fellowship’. It’s all about communion, fellowship, family, community. If someone cannot fellowship without causing contention, then they have not found the right garden for them. They might not even be looking for a garden. The jungle may be in them. The predator may be in them. We are not of the predator ways. Satan is the predator; our Lord a Shepherd and Gardner. Satan thought he could over throw and steal what God has slow grown, His Kingdom. But he found out different, because God is not only a Shepherd and Gardner, but also the ONE TRUE GOD.”
“The scriptures say, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the House of the Lord. Church for many has simply become more stress added to an already stressful life. It’s another “Do List”, with all kinds of programs you’re expected to fulfill if you are a good Christian. But what we need is true fellowship with family. We need to ‘feel at home’. A safe place we can find opportunity to share our deepest feelings and thoughts. A place to be excited about our walk with God. A place to relax and enjoy. There must be true communion, or Church is failing to be Church, because Church is failing to be family… God’s family.”
“In a world rushing faster and faster every day, in this Fellowship, we choose to promote the beauty of slow, a way of peace, the growing of an inner garden in you.” And with that, Yinney smiled and opened the floor for conversation.
Jo-Jo was the first, “Your words are like cool water in a parched earth. You do not know what it is like to be a bird. You have always been a sloth. But ‘slow’ does not come easy for me. We birds have fast metabolisms. We eat constantly and burn food quickly. Our hearts race. Our movements are sudden and quick. But your words help me find balance. Your words quinch a thirst in my soul. I know there is a proper speed for me in which I too can walk as one with my Lord, in a garden, not this jungle we are surrounded by.”
“Here, here!” Lu-Lu and Me-Me both agreed with everything Jo-Jo said. Time was forgotten as the small group relaxed in the 7th Day Tree, shared some drinks and snacks, and talked about the goodness of God well into the afternoon. Anyone could come and go as they pleased. Me-Me was first to leave saying she had a family thing. But the fellowship continued no matter where they were. One in Spirit, one in God.
Lurking down below, Jag stared at the small group above. Of course, the macaws meant little to him, but he wondered when that sloth moved in? And when he would poo? His belly gnawed while he watched from a dark spot. Making note of the sloth and his tree, hunger finally moved him on. Something was going to die today, because his desire would be satisfied no matter what.
Path Without End 