Before God ever spoke creation into being, He observed.

Genesis 1:2 tells us, “The earth was formless and void… and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” God looked before He acted. In permaculture, this mirrors the first and most important principle:

Observe and interact.

Observation is a spiritual discipline as much as it is a gardening tool. Too often we act before we understand. We plant before we study the soil, irrigate before we trace the contours, and assume before we listen. But God calls us to see deeply, patiently, and with humility.

Jesus modeled this. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray, to watch, and to listen (Luke 5:16). He saw the hearts of people, not just their behaviors. Likewise, when we observe our land, notice how the sun moves, how water flows, where the wind blows. 

We’re training our eyes to see as God sees: with care, intention, and reverence.

Permaculture urges us to spend an entire season just watching before making any major changes. That patience is often hard for us, but it leads to wisdom.

As Proverbs 19:2 warns, “Desire without knowledge is not good; how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”

This week, slow down.

Let your garden, your relationships, and your inner life speak to you. What patterns do you notice?

What cycles are repeating? Where is life flourishing—and where is it being choked out?

This weeks call to Action:
Take one hour this week to walk your garden or homestead in silence. Bring a notebook. Don’t plan—just observe. Write down what you see. Then ask God to show you what He sees in you.

To support our ministry and help grow Eden Homestead, please consider making a donation: