Friday, March 26, 2010
A different kind of anniversary
Now, all these years later, I look at my dad playing with his grandchildren and I thank a gracious God who knew better than those doctors! And I marvel at the courageous, sacrificing love of my mother, who refused to give up on dad, refused to write him off when he was comatose for months, instead talking to him every day as she exercise his limbs and invented ways to stimulate his brain and tried to bring him back to us, fighting doctors (but not nurses) to see dad get the best care that could be provided. And all the while, taking care of her children.
Our family motto quickly became "We Believe in Miracles", as we children saw a father who we grieved as dead to us slowly regain life - a pale reflection, in our young minds, of the original Easter miracle. And as time went on, new miracles were added as children were born and unsurmountable obstacles overcome. So now, as I prepare for Holy Week (and the biggest miracle of all!), I remember all the miracles in my life!
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Spring garden is started!
Pots all cleaned and refilled with fresh soil
Seeds planted: radishes, scallions, mint, cilantro, spinach, spring lettuce mix, elephant ear bulbs
Starts planted: pansies everywhere (because their sweet faces and bright color are irresistable!) and broccoli.
Decrepit wicker porch settee finally disposed, and a nice painted rocking chair installed in its place
Much general raking, sweeping, tidying
Planning where the backyard plot it to go this year (last year the squash did not do well, so the garden will move to a better spot)
All of this involved much running up and down three flights of stairs between the deck garden and the compost pile, which doesn't seem much at first, but really does start to catch up after the 10th trip or so! It also entailed observing the amusing antics of spring-crazed squirrels, local children, and migrating geese and ducks (flying in formations overhead).
I gave the local children a spare 6-pack of pansies to put in their own garden, as they spent a great deal of time watching my activities with grave interest (and many questions). I love encouraging children to grow things!
Has anyone else started a vegetable garden yet?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sowing Seeds
I ponder the many gardening parables: how does a child who has never sown understand the tale of the mustard seed? Or of how from a tiny seed something large and powerful can grow? Or again, what does one raised away from gardens really understand about vines? About pruning for the good of the vine? About rich or bitter harvests?
Having always been an avid gardener, from a family of avid gardeners, I know what a hard pruning can be. Cutting down almost to the root, in order to stimulate new, fresh growth. It can be a painful choice for the gardener - will the plant survive to flourish anew? Or will it simply die?
How natural then to take this process and apply it to spiritual matters! Is God with you only when you have earthly blessings? Or is He perhaps with you in a more special way when He is pruning you in preparation for new growth?
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." - John 15:1-2
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Gratitude for Small Favors
This has been a difficult week, starting with a massive nor'easter and following with many dreary and unpleasant bits. So when I came across this small crocus today I was reminded of why I am blessed, why I made some hard choices, why there are still hard choices to be made. And that good does come around in the long run.
I planted a few bulbs in this spot in late September 2001, as gardening was one way I chose to deal with overwhelming grief.
I did not imagine then that this sweet flower would return year after year,
a small personal symbol of rebirth and renewal,
a small personal symbol of the Promise of the Gospel.
Each spring, this small brave blossom breaks through the still-frozen ground, one of the first signs of life after the bleak winter. Each spring this humble bloom reminds me to stop, to remember, to pray.
And in doing so, I am blessed.