He stood at the back door admiring the myriad of colours distributed around his garden.
He was an expert when it came to flowers. He looked at them now, some in ceramic pots sheltering under cover, but most set in flower beds. He had a free morning and could spend hours doing what he loved most. He changed into old clothes, put on gloves and took a spade from the shed. He chose his spot and started digging. After a few minutes, he was surprised at his shortness of breath. He then became aware of a cold sweat, followed by an uncomfortable pressure…
He slowly struggled to his feet, still feeling light-headed. He looked around and found that an elderly gentleman sat watching him. When he realised that it could be none other than God that was waving him forward, he cried “My garden! Oh! My poor garden!”
God smiled softly and said “Welcome my child. Tell me what is in your heart.”
“It’s my garden!” He blurted.
God pointed to another seat. “Sit and tell me more.”
The man sat silent for a while, composing himself. He began. “My lovely garden, you see? It will die in the heat we’ve been having. All my flowers, they will all die.” He took a breath. “I live on my own now you understand, and it’s an isolated area. My daughter doesn’t get back for two weeks. Everything will die!”
God smiled again. God saw the genuine fear in the man’s eyes.
“In that case,” said God, “I’ll have it rain every three days for the next fortnight. How would that be?”
A great sense of relief washed over the man, his whole posture relaxed, and he visibly brightened. Then he bowed his head and in a quiet voice said “Thank you.”
God lifted his hand and an Archangel appeared, took him gently by the hand, and led him away.