Garden Update

I took a gardening class about eighteen months ago. The instructor talked about starting from seed vs. starting with purchased plants, and in the end she recommended that we “just buy plants!” I could have listened to her advice, as she had way more experience than I did, but I wanted my kids to experience the growth of a plant from a seed. Some of the seeds we planted were so tiny we had trouble keeping track of them once they hit the soil. There are so many things that seeds mirror in daily life. Pride, for instance, begins as a thought. “Look what I have done!” That tiny thought could get lost in the soil unless we feed it, shine a light on it and nurture it. And if we do those things, pride will grow and produce fruit – fruit of entitlement, bitterness, criticism, and anger just to name a few. Gratitude begins with perception. Whether you’re looking for things to be thankful for or things to complain  about,  you will find them. The Bible says in Matthew 17:20 “… verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” It is important to note that the mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, yet it grows into a tree standing between 9 and 20 feet tall – depending on your Google search. I want my kids to know that there are many things that start out small, and given the proper care and attention, they can grow and bring forth fruit. Good things and bad things just alike.

I was surprised that less than 25% of the seeds we planted actually sprouted. Two seeds that came from the same package, went into the same soil, were tended to in the same manner, and yet only one sprouted. It is mind-boggling to me! I am not sure why some sprang forth and some didn’t, but I am sure there is a lesson in that, too. The garden has done well, no thanks to those who started it. There was no ceremonial passing of the torch, but my husband just kind of picked up where the kids and I left off. Every night when I notice he is missing I look out the window to see him tending to the plants. Most mornings he is up before me, and a few times I have gotten up in time to see him outside, enjoying the morning sun, the melodious birds, and the smell of wet grass. He always looks peaceful and it brings a smile to my heart. You see, I know who he used to be – who we both used to be. We are living the life we always wanted to but never knew how. We are living an undeserved life. And I thank God every day for it.