Musings of a Gardener

Musings of a Gardener

For me, gardening is a venue to spirituality ... the beauty of Creation bringing joy and peace to my soul.  I am amazed at the number of times that very earthly material things bring me to spiritual thoughts.  As I bend over and even crawl around the gardens I work off my frustrations that’s for sure, I forget about the challenges facing me and I live in the moment for the moment.  It is uncanny how seeds, plants and weeds all come together to sing the glory of the Creator and bring a balance to my sometimes overwhelmed mind and give me food for thought.  Many of my problems are solved with my hands digging in the dirt or holding a garden hose or a hoe.

Some days, as I weed and cut and trim, it seems to me that all I see is the faults, the less than perfect side of it all.  And then I climb the stairs on a Saturday afternoon for 4:30 p.m. Mass and my eyes see only beauty and my heart sings with thanksgiving and praise.  The beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and it depends on the state of mind and attitude of that beholder to determine what he/she will see.  Isn’t that the truth – sometimes we look at the problem instead of at the person – we see the flaws and not a fellow human being asking for respect and dignity.

One thing that amazes me is the weeding – I tend to want to eradicate every weed I see.  Then I remember that I must be careful as I pull that weed out not to damage the plants surrounding it.  And this brings me to realize that this also applies to people.  Trying to help out sometimes we might be too harsh, not sensitive enough, even judgmental with those we minister to.  Isn’t that the truth – it is often better to accept differences and imperfections instead of killing the hope slowly growing in that heart.  To turn someone away or discourage them because of a self-righteous thought or word on my part is a terrible sin in my eyes. 

I am in awe of how that one little seed will grow to be a spectacular plant.  I know very well how much loving and tender care is needed to bring it to the fruition of full bloom.  Isn’t that the truth – if we give tender loving care to a relationship it will blossom into a beautiful friendship.  Sometimes it’s just the little extra things that we say and do that really make a difference.  And Oh how much joy and peace it can bring into our lives – I mean both the flowers and the friends.

I thank God for seeds and plants and flowers!

Submitted by Doreen Merkas