A beloved member of our Quaker Meeting, long since passed, was known to offer pithy, down-to-earth vocal ministry that got right to the heart of things.  This time of year she often drew her messages from her gardening experience.  One particular metaphor that has stuck with me over the years was how necessary it was to turn the compost from time to time, going deep and getting dirty in the process.  I’ve been thinking about that image today as I have been doing some spiritual digging and turning things over. It’s not pretty, it’s not fun, but it’s a process that’s needed if there is to be new life and growth.