by Neal Lemery
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you may reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
Spring can be such a time of miracles. New growth, blossoms, warm sun, time outdoors just being in the presence of all the new, experiencing the changes happening all around us.
I often don’t take the time to just be in the midst of it all — witnessing, being in the moment, simply being present.
Today, I plant seeds in the dirt, expecting new life to emerge into the light. My expectations may not be fulfilled, yet I am preparing for the miracle of life to occur, on its own terms, its own way, its own destiny.
I can bring the seed, the soil, the water, the warmth together. And then I wait patiently, allowing the sunlight and all the other forces in and around the seeds to bring about new life. My task is done — I’ve put the elements together, but I am no longer the agent, the catalyst, or the director. I’m just the audience, and I just wait.
“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is nurturing us.” — Jenny Uglow
Planting seeds is an act of optimism, of believing that the miracles of life are ongoing, renewing. Gardening is an act of courage and believing in change and renewal.
Gardening is stewardship and caretaking, an expression that one person can make a difference, and be a force to better the world.
And, in doing that, the garden gives back to me, its renewal and growth filling me up with the wonderment of nature, of patience and diligence, of generosity reciprocated, invigorating me and the world we live in.
I become recharged, the goodness inside of me renewed, re-enforced. In this, I can give more, receive more. The seed, and me, we both grow, moving towards our collective potential to better the world.
Books: NEW book – Building Community: Rural Voices for Hope and Change; Finding My Muse on Main Street, Homegrown Tomatoes, and Mentoring Boys to Men
