Have you ever begun something small, only to watch it flourish in ways you never expected?
Our vegetable garden is one such miracle—a quiet yet powerful presence at the heart of our ECD center, welcoming every visitor who walks through our doors. On the surface, it may look like just a source of fresh produce for our children. But this food garden has become so much more, overflowing with meaning and beauty in ways we hadn’t expected.
When we first planted our garden, we thought it would be a simple space to grow food—a practical way to nourish our children. But as time went on, we realised that God had planted something much greater here, something we hadn’t foreseen.
This garden has become a living testament to Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” In His wisdom, God transformed it from a source of nutrition into a symbol of grace, growth, and healing. We now see the larger picture only God could see from the start.
Other than being an endless source of goodness, producing everything from carrots and broccoli to strawberries, butternut, and beans, it has also become a place of safety for our children and staff. One additional example is the nurturing environment it provides for play therapy, where our children can lose themselves in a world of flowers and greenery. Here, they express themselves through painting and roleplay, immersed in nature’s comforting embrace. It’s also a place of learning, where we teach colours through the use of flowers and nature. Storytime sometimes takes place here, too, allowing children to connect with their senses—feeling the leaves, touching the soil—grounding themselves and finding calm.
Our garden has also drawn in volunteers, creating a beautiful community of people who lend their knowledge and support. With each visitor who shares advice and expertise, we see new friendships blossom, building a strong, unified team at LIV Cape Town.
On the surface, it may look like just a garden filled with plants, soil, insects, and beauty. But when we pause to reflect, we realize it’s much more—a garden overflowing with wisdom, friendship, nourishment, therapy, and, most importantly, love. It’s a garden that seemingly reflects the glory of God, and we only think its right to not let this opportunity pass without acknowledging that and really dwelling on the blessing.
